November 24 Home Communicator –
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Dear Parents,
These verses have had quite an impact on me in the past week. They have shown up in my personal devotions, in email communications from others, and most recently in Friday’s elementary chapel led by Mrs. Remy’s 4th graders. This phrase sticks out to me: give thanks in all circumstances. Really? ALL circumstances? Even when life has been so challenging since March and we have had to bear disappointment after disappointment? Does God really expect us to give thanks in all this mess? Readers, I know you’re busy, so I took some time to look up this verse about always giving thanks in several different Bible translations. Not a single one of them adds this parenthetical “(unless you’re living through 2020)”. God really does command us to give thanks in every situation–even the tough ones. One thing we can all be thankful for is that we serve a sovereign God, who is at work on behalf of His people at all times and through all circumstances (Romans 8:28). That is a comforting promise during such troubling times.
Mrs. Remy’s class challenged us to think of things for which we are thankful. Here is the start to my list:
- I am thankful for the basic things that so often are taken for granted–shelter, transportation, employment, food, family, laughter, and friendships.
- I am thankful for my life and the opportunity to serve God as a leader at HCS.
- I am thankful for HCS teachers who have a heart for kids and a desire to teach them about Jesus.
- I am thankful for the growth I’ve seen in students this year–academically and spiritually–and for their excitement about learning and life in general.
- I am thankful for HCS parents who have found ways to encourage our staff and brighten our days when teaching and leading is difficult.
What are you thankful for as we approach the 2020 Thanksgiving holiday?
With a thankful heart,
Tricia Kiepert, Elementary Principal
