Ughhhh. Summer is now over. The sunsets, iced coffees, pretending I have no responsibilities? Gone. It’s that time again… September hits, and suddenly it’s back to school, university, or work. The new stationery haul, the colour-coded planners (that may or may not last past Week 2), the “new me” speeches we all make in our heads. It feels like a reset button, and honestly? I love it. September is my second chance at the new year.
I always do the thing where I look at the goals I set in January and go: “Yeahhhh… I NOW need to get my life together.” Then I sit on Pinterest for hours, making a new board, planning my whole life, imagining the glow-up, and hoping I don’t forget about it in a month. Sound familiar? But here’s the tea, God is right there with me in it. He’s not intimidated by my overambitious boards or my coffee-fuelled spreadsheets.
- New Routines, Same God
Every September, I tell myself: “This year I’ll wake up at 6am, drink lemon water, do a 10-step skincare routine, and pray for an hour before my day starts.” By October? We both know I’m lucky if I’ve managed coffee before 9am.
Instead of Pinterest-level perfection, try weaving small, realistic habits into your day. A short Bible app reading on the bus. A worship playlist while getting ready. A quick prayer before opening your laptop. Romans 12:2 hits here: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Tiny shifts add up, and God honours consistency over perfection.
- Faith on Campus / At Work
Whether you’re starting uni or stepping into the office, one of the biggest challenges is how to actually live out your faith without feeling awkward. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). That means your faith isn’t a secret side-quest it’s meant to shine, even in small ways.
At uni? Check out your Christian Union or a local church - even if it feels scary walking in the first time. At work? Show kindness when everyone else is stressed or be the person who doesn’t gossip in the kitchen. You don’t have to preach every lecture or meeting; your actions speak volumes.
- Balancing Deadlines and Devotion
The temptation in busy seasons is to treat God like He’s optional: “I’ll pray later, after this assignment/shift/meeting.” But Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Stress is inevitable, but prayer changes how we carry it. Even a two-minute “God, I’m tired but help me through this” prayer can carry you further than scrolling in a group chat or venting endlessly.
- Second Chances & God’s Steady Presence
Every season feels like it demands a “new me.” But honestly? You don’t have to reinvent yourself every September. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and that’s your anchor. Whether you’re smashing your to-do list or crying in the library toilets (we’ve all been there), He’s steady.
So instead of striving to be a “new you,” focus on walking with the same God who already knows exactly where this season will lead. And yes, enjoy making that Pinterest board just maybe pin some prayers in there too.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school, back-to-uni, back-to-work; it all comes with pressure, but also with promise. God isn’t standing at the end of the semester or financial year waiting for you to “get through it.” He’s with you in the everyday in the lecture halls, the Zoom calls, and even the late-night corner shop runs.
So sharpen your pencils, yes. But sharpen your faith too. This new season? You’ve got this!! And more importantly, God’s got you.
With love & iced coffees
(still pretending it’s summer, don’t judge),
Shola xoxo
