But worst thing was stifling heat of my new shoes. The salesman had made no mention of fact that those shoes came with a built-in furnace; much less one stuck on "middle-of-winter" setting all year round. Steam rose from my feet, and I fully expected my socks to catch fire at any moment. I could only hope my mom had anticipated that possibility and ordered fireproof socks. (Luckily, moms are pretty good at stuff like that, which probably explains why you so rarely see kids’ feet burst into flames.)

It seemed to me that shoes were unnecessary, since no one could see my feet anyway, what with my new shirt dragging in dust around me. On first day of school, I stood at end of our driveway, trying not to be blown into Illinois by a having a gust of wind blow underneath my tent-shirt.

Then something strange happened. Even though I'd soon be seeing kids I'd been missing all summer, suddenly I remembered a thousand things I should have done during that endless summer! But now it was too late. There I was, a 40-year-old fourth grader in a tent-shirt, waiting for a bus, examining a wasted life ... it all seemed so sad.

So I knew exactly what my son was going through. Sometimes it does feel like we're dying from vacation. But sometimes, it's nice to just sit back and enjoy ride—before school bus comes. That makes perfect sense to an adult, of course. But try explaining it to a fourth grader, who's in process of dying from vacation even as you speak.

© 2004. Gary E. Anderson. All rights reserved.

Make Him our conscious companion wherever we go, and in whatever we do. Christianity is not merely a religious belief system. It is a living relationship with Jesus Christ! Jesus does not want an arm's length relationship with us. Since he has chosen us to be His Bride, He desires a close relationship! The Bride knows her Bridegroom intimately because she has a living, ongoing, loving, interactive relationship with her Betrothed!

Jesus said some interesting things which tell us how we are to live. Love one another. Do nice things for one another. Be helpful when others need assistance, or cannot provide for themselves.

Be generous with what we have in order to meet other's needs. He even told us to love our enemies! Be kind to those who are unkind to us! Why? That shows His love through us, and actually draws them up short! Why would anyone treat them kindly when they are going out of their way to be unkind or mean? It makes them think! As much as possible, be peacemakers. Avoid unnecessary, unproductive arguments. Interaction is good so long as one we are sharing with is at least willing to discuss, even if they hold an opposing opinion. But arguments never accomplish anything except animosities and hard feelings. Seek to treat others way we want to be treated - with respect. Stand firmly for truth and justice even if no one else does. But at same time show mercy, grace, and extend forgiveness. Hold people accountable, but also raise standard. Do not be a push-over or a door-mat. Stand, lovingly, but firmly for what is true and proper. Do not take unfair advantage of others.

Never seek revenge. The LORD will ultimately mete out His judgment on ungodly and disobedient.

Obey laws of land, because they are in place to protect us from harm. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and strength. Do not entertain evil. Do not adopt alternate philosophies of men, or involve ourselves in occult practices. These are just a few directives we find in Scripture.

Where in Scripture do we find a specific set of guidelines for Bride? Read Jesus' messages to Seven Churches of Revelation chapters 2 and 3. They are very revealing! Then follow His advice by listening to Holy Spirit guiding us in how to put these requirements into practice. If we actively apply LORD's revealed principles of love to our lives, we will qualify to be His Bride, ready for our heavenly wedding. John continues in passage in Revelation 19, verse 8."And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for fine linen is righteousness of saints." She qualifies to be given her wedding dress! She has "made herself ready."