I will never grow tired . . .

. . . of the cheerful and personal greetings by the students in the halls, between school buildings, and even on the sidewalks when I walk home! Certainly that may happen by familiar students from the classes I teach, but this is also from kids I have never met or been introduced to. What should be natural (and it is for them) is a surprising change to what I have normally experienced in my previous teaching position and for most of my general interactions with teenagers over the years. These students aren’t perfect, as noted when I observed their tired demeanor this Monday morning after the Super Bowl Game (yes, they were up until 5 am to watch it live). Yet they continue to surprise me with a joyful, mature attitude and a noticeable lack of self-absorption. Perhaps it is because of the many family moves to remote and austere locations in their lives so far, or maybe it is because of their separation from family that many of them experience in coming to this boarding school, but, whatever the cause, it is like a breath of fresh air to my soul. My sincere prayer is that I may be faithful to do my absolute best to teach, mentor and prepare them to take that attitude beyond the school borders to a world that desperately needs to see Jesus through their lives. What may normally be a sad or reflective time when people we have come to know and respect move on in their future lives, will most certainly be tempered by the realization that they may do good in the world and that I may have had a small part in it. I suppose one characterization of my time here may simply be that “normal” is being redefined.

“Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! . . . For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33, 36