May 12 Home Communicator – As we turn our calendars to May and Michigan weather starts to warm ever so slowly, we look forward to the end of the school year but also remember the things that happened over the past year.
As the middle school principal, one of the exciting ways to end the year is the 8th grade graduation. (This is not a letter explaining what that will be for this year… that will come very soon, I promise.) For 8th graders, these thoughts and emotions are especially true as they are at the end of their education at Hudsonville Christian. I know as we draw closer to the end of this academic year it is not the way any of us had it planned. But it is important we reflect on the 9+ years of education each student is completing. Remembering back on the multitude of growth with their academics, athletics, fine arts, clubs, friendships, emotions, and spiritual journey. Thinking about the countless memories both uplifting and positive, but also challenging and difficult. In this year alone we have had many changes and challenges, but I know full well that through it all, these 8th graders and many more, have lived out our theme for this year. As it says in our theme verse “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 This was not only a verse the 8th graders memorized, but one they lived out over and over again throughout the year.
We also look forward to wherever the 8th graders may go or whatever God has planned for them. Feelings of excitement mix with anxiousness as we wonder what high school may bring. Our prayer for them is that they take the lessons learned, and the relationships built here at HCS, to go and move mountains, proclaiming the love of Christ our Savior with everyone and in every way. Display a God first, me second attitude that is not often seen in our society, and always remember:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
In Christ,
Justin Knot, Middle School Principal
