November 1 Home Communicator – My husband and I have taken to announcing things when we drive places. It all started when we lived in Chicago and it felt like we needed two people on the lookout in order to drive safely. We would say things like BICYCLIST ON RIGHT or RED LIGHT CAMERA or PEDESTRIAN DANCING THROUGH CROSSWALK. When we moved back to West Michigan, the announcements remained, however they did change slightly. Now we announce things like DEER or WOODCHUCK or FARM IMPLEMENT AHEAD. Over the past few weeks, the utter beauty of the fall leaves has prompted a new announcement from the Kiepert’s vehicle: PRETTY AREA! (Don’t you just want to take a drive with the Kieperts?)
On our way to South Bend for the CEA Convention a couple weeks ago, we were once again blown away by the gorgeous fall colors. We exclaimed over and over how beautiful they were. It made me wonder how often we miss the opportunity to announce God’s glory as we go through life. When our CEA keynote speaker, Gary Schmidt, reminded us to never stop being amazed at what God has done and continues to do, I made a commitment to be more aware of His incredible works as I read the Bible and see Him working in my life and in the lives of those around me.
Thankfully, I get to hang out with several hundred small humans each week. An elementary school is a pretty great place to be if you want to be reminded of how amazing our God is. Whether it’s a giant praying mantis clinging to a classroom window, a double rainbow on the way into school, a Bible story about Jesus walking on water, an army of ants working together to stockpile crumbs, salmon swimming UP a fish ladder, or monarch butterflies that are designed to know exactly where to go when the weather turns colder, wonder and amazement fill our playground, classrooms, and hallways at HCS. Kids are announcing God’s greatness as they go about their everyday lives and hear the stories of God’s power and might in the Bible. Being around these children who are so delighted with God’s creativity and care for even the tiniest of creatures helps me remember to be amazed as well. Will you join me in announcing God’s goodness to those around us?
Lord, accept our amazement! – Tricia Kiepert, Elementary Principal
