It’s back to school season and that gets my organizational thoughts racing. I’ve always loved back to school, the start of a fresh new semester. Sharp pencils, crisp notebook paper and everything in order. The promise of staying on task and being on time with assignments fills the air. Just think of all those clean spiral notebooks waiting to be filled. 
Let’s be honest though, getting out of the house with everything, everyone AND delivering them to school on time could be an Olympic sport. I firmly believe failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Today I thought I’d share a little spot in our house that lends itself to a prepared and organized morning. It is our gathering place for all things school related. Even afternoons are easier on this momma because of this space. Believe me when I say whether you have children or not, we could all benefit from a gathering place like this. 
It’s a simple little closet transformed into a mini mudroom.
We don’t have a mudroom.
That would be glorious, but you gotta work with what ya got.
I had an extra coat closet that really served no purpose. And you know how kid stuff multiples like mold on stale bread. Corralling all that junk was a necessity.
You can find the little bench and hooks online (affiliate links*). The kid’s initial letters are rusty metal from Round Top.
Everything is better with rust and a monogram. 
The kids always know where to find their school stuff, and so do I. This eliminates searching for misplaced homework in the morning or MIA backpacks at homework time. When we walk in the door afterschool everything has a place to land. We keep sports equipment tucked away in the closet for practice days and jackets hang neatly when the cold comes. Dictionaries, soccer balls, flashcards, lunchboxes, reading logs and projects all live together happily in this snug spot. Even my overflow of cookbooks hide away here. I promise this tiny closet is a life saver. If you don’t have a closet to re-work into a gathering place, maybe you have a wall or counter close to the entrance you use the most. The small amount of time it will take you to create a space like this will pay you back ten fold.
Once your preparation station is in place, set rules for your magical spot. Everything goes there when you walk in the door and nothing is allowed to wander through the house. Your mornings will thank you. 
A gathering place for your stuff isn’t the only thing that will lead to smoother days. A gathering place for you will feed your soul.
In Matthew 18:20 Jesus says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Does your Fall schedule include a place for YOU to gather? Have you set aside time to gather with other believers, even if it’s just one other person?
As our verse today says, being in union assures us that we will be in God’s presence. We all know that pencils get dull and procrastination rears it’s ugly head. The morning routine loosens and gets lazy. You will have rough days ahead. By planning on spending time with others, sharing God’s word and praying together you will be planning against broken crayons, unpreparedness and other distractions that are sure to come. You’re setting yourself up to be blessed. 
When those rough days arrive sometimes I can’t seem to muster a prayer on my own. Those are the days when I most need the reinforcement of community. Perhaps you have had days like that too? In those moments I’m thankful to have friends who will lift me when I can’t do it on my own. Friends I have made from stepping into a gathering place. Prepare for the best by preparing to gather with other. Below are a few ideas that may suit your gathering needs:
2. BSF – Bible Study Fellowship International
3. Proverbs 31 – Online Bible Study
4. Start your own study: Invite a few friends to meet weekly. Choose a book with a leaders guide to get you started.
5. Check your local churches to see if they offer bible studies for women. 
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Love your putting the list of Bible studies women could look into at the end. I need a spot like that for my retired hubby!
I know – let me know what you find for him, my hubby could use the same!!!
You go girl! I love your gathering spot!
Sounds like you are ready for a new school year!
When your routine gets back to normal, let’s talk again. I want to hear about all of your conferences~
Blessings,
Melanie
Ready or not, here it comes!
Good idea! A mud room you say, I wish I had an empty closet! 😉
lol…I know! That is normally the case, this house has nice storage space, which is uncommon for it’s age.