Engaging Our Students for Their Success

My recent post on Facebook was this: If we are going to engage students to dream goals, we must help them create plans for success.

So how do we do that?

We have all heard it said that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it also takes a village to help a student find their way to college and/or a career. If we have learned anything at all from history, there is wisdom in the multitude of counsel.

Here are some points about how to engage students to set some goals and create plans for their future:

First, make time to have conversations with your student. Take them to Starbucks, Panera’s, or any favorite nook where they can relax and share their ideas. This is not a reactive listening session, but an active solicitation of thoughts, dreams, ideas, goals, etc. Don’t react, but let them free-think and sort out their ideas.

Second, encourage them to research the topics that come up in your conversations. Help them synthesize the information and compare and contrast career choices, college opportunities, and future goals.

Third, let them explore. Help them find ways to volunteer in service organizations, get a part-time job, shadow you or a friend at work for a day, and visit college campuses while on vacation. These experiences will provide new information and help them explore their interests.

Fourth, help without hovering. This is where it can be difficult to determine when you are doing too much, or too little. Ultimately, we want our students to take personal responsibility for their life, however it is our responsibility to guide them along the way. Help them determine some goals and show them how to establish a plan to achieve them. Then let them…

Fifth, success is born from the tenacity it takes to overcome our failures. There will be some failures along the way. Encourage them to start over as many times as it takes.

Finally, pray. This is every parent’s foundation; the constant prayers of parents do not go unanswered.

May your village be full of wisdom and understanding as you encourage your student to dream and create plans for their success. You are not alone!

On the journey,

Elton O. Brooke, Ed. D.

Decisions That Create Your Future

The decisions that we make when we are young can have a direct influence on our future. I was reminded of this simple truth while perusing my connections on Facebook:

“Did you know? Eighty-five years ago today, Ronald Reagan embarked on what would be a formative part of his journey as a leader. On September 15, 1928, he opened doors of discovery as he began the registration process at Eureka College.” (Ronald Reagan Foundation)

The greatest achievements in life begin with decisions made while we are young.

“Reagan was the poor kid who grew up during the Depression and, to his own surprise, made it to college at a time when less than 7% of the population attended. From there, he felt that anything was possible - and it was - the presidency.” (http://reagan.eureka.edu/lead_applied/index.htm)

This is NOT an article about President Reagan or his road to the White House. It IS about the possibilities created by the decisions he made in the formative stages of life.

Choosing a college major and deciding on a career plan are two of the most important decisions facing young adults. As with all decisions, learn to center your decisions on your character and values. Don’t compromise for a short term solution.

The average college admission counselor reads over 600 applications. Just let that little fact sink in for a second. What about your college application will make them stop and think about you? If all that they know about you is on the application and essay, what do you think your chances are of getting into their college?

Your chances of gaining admission will increase dramatically if you have connected with the admission counselor assigned to your area by email, attended a college fair and visited the campus. The campus visit is the key that helps unlock the college admission process.

When you visit the campus and meet the admission staff, two things are likely to happen: 1) you get to interview the college, and 2) the college WILL interview you. Both of these processes help you determine if the college is the right fit for you.

Don’t let your circumstances determine your dreams. Peruse the internet and look at college websites. Explore their online catalogs and view books. Look at what they have to offer in academics, student life, athletics, missions/community service, and amenities. If at all possible, go visit their campus and explore for yourself what they bring to the table.

You have gifts and abilities that are uniquely yours. The more you develop them, the more you give God to work with.

Take a leap of faith and trust God. Your future is waiting!

Elton O. Brooke, Ed. D.

Ninety Seconds or Five Hundred Words

How well can you describe who you are in about 90 seconds or in less than 500 words?

This is the time of year when many high school seniors are focusing their attention on college applications and writing the required essay or interviewing for a job. Here are four things to remember as you prepare:

1. Keep it simple – you are not writing a book about your life history. So, stick to the point and don’t ramble off on a rabbit trail.

2. Answer the question. This is very important. Stick to the question and be concise. Think of an experience that describes the point of the question. College personnel will see a better picture of who you are through the windows of your descriptive answers.

3. Yes, THIS time it IS all about you. It’s OK to talk about yourself and your experiences. Admission personnel do not want to read about your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or your bff. They want to read about you.

4. Use your own voice. No one can write your story like you. Admission personnel expect it to sound like it was written by a high school senior and not your English teacher. However, DO refrain from using “text-speak”. College professionals and employers want to know that you are at least articulate enough to use proper grammar.

Writing a college essay or interviewing for a job have one thing in common; answering the questions of “who are you” and “why should I admit/employ you”? Life is a journey of finding our place and how we fit in with the rest of humanity. Finding our place requires a lot of hard work and diligence.

It would be nice if God gave us a detailed strategic plan for our life, but it doesn't work that way. Instead, He has given us a book of Truth to read and master. As we spend time reading and understanding His principles, our way in life becomes clearer.

As you prepare for the next step in your journey keep in mind these steps: keep it simple, answer the question, it’s your story, so use your own voice.

So, who are you?

Elton O. Brooke, Ed. D.

Private Christian School Education: A Value-Rich Environment

At the end of the long and busy first week of school, I sat down with a Grande Americano (4 pumps of vanilla, 1 packet of raw sugar, with a little cream) in an out-of-the-way nook at the Mall. Reflection is a tool I use to help sort out my thoughts and make sense of life events.

For the first time in 13 years, I am teaching again. This time it is a World Religions class with a group of wonderful seniors. In order to establish a foundation for the course, we are exploring the central thought of faith as a human universal and that “we are endowed at birth with nascent capacities for faith.” (James W. Fowler)

While some educational environments attempt to offer a valueless environment, the Christian school environment is a purposeful and intentional value-rich environment. Ethics, integrity, truth, and values are intrinsically linked to the ethos of Christian schools.

I was researching the topic of integrity the other evening and came across the following quote from Success Will Come and Go, But Integrity Is Forever:

“If I could teach only one value to live by, it would be this: Success will come and go, but integrity is forever. Integrity means doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone is watching. It takes having the courage to do the right thing, no matter what the consequences will be. Building a reputation of integrity takes years, but it takes only a second to lose, so never allow yourself to ever do anything that would damage your integrity.” (Amy Anderson)

Unfortunately, integrity is easily forgotten in the name of expediency and viewed as a weakness. Consequences will always follow our actions, good or bad. Success is inhibited by lack of ethics and integrity. Without them, it's like telling one lie to cover another. At some point in time the lies catch up to us. After reading one of my posts on a social media page about integrity, my daughter replied, "The understated reward for being someone of integrity is much greater that the overstated reward of today's definition of success.

Though I do not know anything about her personal faith I think Amy Anderson is on-point when she says “integrity is forever.” Among the many values that are stressed in Christian schools, integrity is of primary concern. I've heard it said that integrity is a brother to ethics. If we miss these two pieces of the puzzle, we are destitute.

Teaching and working in a Christian school is a rewarding experience. We are able to create a place where students can explore their faith, experience God on a personal level, and expose them to an educational environment that seeks to integrate faith and learning. Christian education must lead the way and be decidedly value-rich in knowledge and the ultimate truths of God!

For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.

(II Corinthians 8:21)

Follow this link to read Amy Anderson's article in its entirety: http://www.forbes.com/sites/amyanderson/2012/11/28/success-will-come-and-go-but-integrity-is-forever/

How To Have A Successful Year In School

A friend asked me to write about what it takes for students to be successful in school. Starring at my computer screen trying to get started, my attention was drawn to the “enter” key. Preparing for the beginning of a new school year gives us the opportunity to reflect and start over.

So, here are my recommendations for a successful school year.

Put God First

Jesus encouraged His followers to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). I tend to think of this as centering our life in God. By doing this we understand the really important things in life: our relationship with God and with others. Putting God first maintains our focus on learning more about Him and having a positive impact on the people around us. Our life belongs to God – what we do, how we act, and how we prepare for the future is incredibly important.

Be a Student

I like this definition of “student”: one who studies - an attentive and systematic observer (Merriam-Webster). A student makes learning a priority; they are tenacious, determined, and resolute. If you do not understand those terms, go look them up – http://www.merriam-webster.com/. Students have one major job: learn through careful analysis, thoughtful observation, and reflective research.

Invest in Positive Relationships

Building healthy friendships is critical to success in the middle/high school years. Friendships can help make you a better student and support you when life gets challenging. We tend to take on the values and perspectives of our friends.  If you don’t like negative conversations and “drama,” then don’t hang around that environment. I Corinthians 15:33 says, “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Surround yourself with friends who will make you a better person and student and you will be more successful in school and in life.

As we prepare to hit the “enter” key on the new school year, what choices will you make in order to be successful this year? Dedicate your life and this year to God. Take your academics seriously. Be the type of friend who challenges others to do their best in school and in life.

Now, press enter to begin the adventure of a new school year!

Because the sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. Isaiah 50:7

Seasons of Prayer

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6-7)

Seasons of prayer bring seasons of change…

The first time I recall reading this passage was many years ago as a young college freshman. It was a major life event from which I would emerge a very different person. To say that it would create a fair amount of angst is somewhat of an understatement. I sensed the change that would occur but I had no way of understanding or expressing my feelings. There is simply not enough space to adequately describe the life events that led me to that point, but it was one of the most significant transitions I had experienced up to that time. I needed some peace of mind in order to be able to cope with the change. And God was faithful…

Funny how we come to God in prayer only when we experience anxiety about life or when things are tough. Our humanness often conflicts with our ability to walk after the Spirit and pray without ceasing. That’s OK, God understands our weakness, in fact, His strength is made perfect in weakness because of His grace (II Corinthians 12:9).

It is fairly normal that following a season of prayer for a specific need or circumstance in life, that we undergo a season of personal growth and change. We are encouraged to not become anxious but to pray and trust God.

It’s time for us to find our rest in Him – to take a step of faith and trust God to possess the future whatever may it hold!

“Prayer is weakness leaning on omnipotence.” (W. S. Bowd)

The Art of Listening

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”

― Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

I remember reading Covey’s book many years ago. There is not a day where I don’t stop and think “did I really listen today?” I’m still a work-in-progress. If I am not listening to understand, then it’s no wonder the art of communication is absent in some of my human connections. Everyone is talking, but not many are listening. I can demand to be heard, but do I want to truly understand the heart of another person?

So it is in my relationship with God. I wonder what He thinks of my prayer list. It looks really selfish sometimes; it’s all about me and my wants, needs, desires, plans, hopes, dreams, etc. Is there room for anyone else? Ouch! My prayer list can look like a gripe list rather than a list of compassion for others.  Martin Luther said, “the fewer the words, the better the prayer.”

Imagine what our prayer life would be like if we applied the same principle? If we could be still and silent in God’s presence long enough to hear and understand His heart, imagine the impact on our listening skills as they relate to our daily interactions?

Matthew records the words of Jesus: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” OK, God, I hear you…

"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, Who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the quarry from which you were dug.” Isaiah 51:1

“My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.” Psalm 62:1

Are we listening...

A Journey Too Great

The angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, "Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you. (I Kings 19:7)

It was tough to be a prophet in the Old Testament. Elijah is exhausted from doing battle with the prophets of Baal and just wants to lie down and sleep. The angel wakes him a previous time and feeds him, and then wakes him a second time to feed him again. The angel gives him the good news that he is about to embark on a journey that is too great for him. Elijah was faithful and ate the food and went on the strength of it for forty days and forty nights.

The interesting thing here is that the journey should have taken about six or seven days, not forty days and forty nights. Some theologians indicate that this was done to connect the experiences of Elijah with the experiences of Moses on a much smaller scale. Both experienced solitude with God prior to, and in preparation for a larger and more intense ministry. Both had a deeply personal encounter with God on a mountain – scholars also indicate that it was on the same mountain.

Christ also had one of those experiences, only it was Satan who came to him instead of his Father. He was tempted beyond anything that we can imagine and continued to walk humbly with his Father. Any difficult journey that I have had in life pales in comparison to the journey of Christ to the Cross. He did that for ALL humanity.

If your journey is difficult, remember that we have an advocate with the Father who constantly makes intercession for us. Faith is an ultimate trust in the reality of an unseen God who says – I got this…

Blessings, and may you experience the peace of Christ.

Forgiveness: The Art of Moving Forward

“Sometimes we don’t forgive people because they deserve it. We forgive them because we need it, and because we cannot move forward without it.” (Unknown)

It’s interesting that “unforgiveness” is not recognized by MS Word 2013. I had to add it to the dictionary. We have the ability to choose whether someone is forgiven, or unforgiven. If they offend us, it is up to us whether we choose to forgive them, or not. It is our choice whether we live in unforgiveness, or forgiveness.

I know that in my lifetime I have offended people; some more than others. I am very thankful that I have been forgiven, at least by the ones I know about. I hope that there are not too many who have not…

Like you, I have also felt the pain of being hurt by the actions and words of another person. Funny how we can remember what others have done to us and easily forget the offenses we have committed. I wish it were the other way around. Maybe then I would be slower to speak and quicker to forgive.

As an offense is a choice I make, so is forgiveness. It’s not easy, but it is necessary if I am going to move forward in Christ: And forgive us our debts (sins) as we also forgive our debtors (those that have sinned against us) – Matthew 6:12.

After all, isn't that what Christ did for us when we asked Him forgive us of our sins? Isn't that what He asked His Father to do for those who crucified Him: Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing – Luke 23:34.

The story of the prodigal son(s) is more about the graciousness of the father. So it is with God. I’m not sure which son you were like, but the Father’s grace should compel us to walk in a state of forgiveness. I know we are only human, but we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works – (Ephesians 2:10). What better work than to walk in forgiveness?

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be kind to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace – (Numbers 6:25-26)

Blessings my human friends. May we walk in forgiveness...

Significant Simplicity

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

It was 1957 on a Sunday night at Evangel Temple in Miami, Fl. I was almost 5 years old and had to quote this famous little verse. There is a vague memory of stumbling through it with prompts from a kind little lady. Thus my debut in front of an audience…

Windows 8 is a program that you either love or hate. I happen to like it. While working on my laptop the other night, the Bible program was continuously scrolling through various verses from the book of John. As John 3:16 scrolled through, I paused and thought about its simplicity; God loved us in such a way that He was compelled to send His Son to die for us. I really needed to be reminded of this simple truth.

In all of His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence, God IS love (I John 4:8). It is not that we love God, but that He loves us. And it is that love that sent Christ into the world to live as a man so that we may live through Him.

Speaking to His disciples, Jesus said:

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. (John 15:12-14)

The significant simplicity of God’s love for humanity led to the obedience of the only One who was qualified for the mission. That same love should guide us through our daily routines and encounters so that we never forget OUR mission; to love humanity as Christ has loved us.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
(John 15:16)

Greater Works: Reflections from a Sermon

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12 - ESV)

I enjoyed meeting Marco Coleman at the SCA golf tournament last Friday. Marco is a former Jaguar and played 14 seasons in the NFL as a defensive end. That he is fairly healthy after playing for that long in one of the most physically demanding sports is simply amazing! Our team shot one under par, and we used 9 mulligans! Needless to say, we did not win – the winners were 10 under par. Thus, my annual adventure on the golf course last Friday reminded me why my boyhood dream to play professionally did not become a reality.

In order to accomplish our dreams and be successful, we have to be willing to pay the price…

So it is in our pursuit of God. Sunday’s sermon reminded me that my pursuit of Him requires a singular commitment to trust Him in every aspect of life.

What does it take to accomplish great things for God? Do we dream big enough? Are we willing to dream small enough? The seed of a big dream for God is usually about the size of a mustard seed. When it is planted, the future is born.

The work that God asks us to do is often too great for us. I sometimes lose focus and do not trust His ability to provide because I am easily distracted by my circumstances. Excuses are easy; perseverance is difficult.

“Because the sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” (Isaiah 50:7)

Success does not always conform to our time frame or fit our paradigm of the future. Patience, my friends, God is at work. Let us work as though everything depends on us, but pray like everything depends on God. Because it does!

Remembering God - Remembering the Sabbath

For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6)

These are some of the last prophetic words before the kingdom of Israel collapsed. Israel had forgotten the meaning behind the ceremonial sacrifices and offerings; they had forgotten who God was and what He had done to procure their success and salvation. It was too late for Israel, their hearts were hardened and they had become apostate. However, true to His compassionate nature, God promised to “heal their apostasy” (14:4).

But go and learn what this means… (Matthew 9:13)

But if you had known what this means… (Matthew 12:7)

The Pharisees challenged Jesus because He was eating with sinners (9:13) and working on the Sabbath (12:7). In both cases, Jesus challenged their loyalty to, and their knowledge of God. They had forgotten the true purpose of the sacrifice and the Sabbath; to remember God’s compassionate nature. Thus they were unprepared for the revelation that He was the healer of Israel’s apostasy and the hope of ALL mankind. They were unprepared for EASTER.

During the Lenten season leading up to the remembering of Christ’s death and resurrection, I hope that each of us will pause to remember how God has personally intervened on our behalf. Through all of the pain and challenges in our lives, there is good, there is hope, and there is God.

Remembering the Sabbath is more than just going to church and taking a day of rest; it is remembering why we do what we do, and for whom.

Lesson Learned

"Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.” (C. S. Lewis)

I stumbled on this quote via Facebook last night and paused long enough to remember that lessons learned from experience tend to be painful. Not so much physical pain, although some are, but most carry significant psychological and spiritual pain or angst. This may sound a bit morbid, but I’m not sure I want to forget the pain. I’m afraid that if I do, I will forget the value of the lesson learned and repeat the mistake.

While wandering my own path and doing life my way without an earthly father to guide me, my heavenly Father stood on the ramparts waiting for me to return to His house. When I did, He lavished me in His grace and mercy. He needn’t have condemned me; I did enough of that on my own. He forgave and treated me as if I had never left. For that, I am eternally grateful.

About a month ago, I came across a prayer by Thomas Maclellan written June 7, 1857. It has become part of my journal:

I now fall down before Thy throne and prostrate myself at Thy footstool… O God of Heaven, record it in the book of Thy rememberances that from henceforth I am Thine forever. I renounce all former lords that have ever had dominion over me and consecrate all that I am and all that I have, the faculties of my mind, the members of my body, my worldly possessions, my time, and my influence over others, all to be used entirely for Thy glory and resolutely employed in obedience to Thy commands as long as Thou continues me in life.

May it be so…

Building Cathedrals

There are several variations of this familiar little story. Its author is unknown to me, but it has a good meaning and makes a valid point. Please take a few minutes and reflect on this variation of the 3 laborers:

 There once was a traveler who journeyed all over the globe in search of wisdom and enlightenment. In the midst of one village, he came upon a great deal of noise, dust, and commotion.

He approached the nearest laborer and asked, “Excuse me; I’m not from this village. May I ask what’s going on here?” The laborer replied curtly, “Can’t you see? I’m busting rocks.”

The traveler approached a second laborer doing the same thing and asked the same question. The second laborer replied, “Can’t you see? I’m earning a living to support my family.”

The traveler then approached a third laborer who was also breaking up rocks and posed the question a third time. With a broad smile and a gleam in his eye, the third laborer replied with great pride: “Can’t you see? We’re building a cathedral.”

It’s all in our perspective…

Simon Sinek in his book, Start with Why, alludes to this parable when he writes, “We don’t want to come to work to build a wall; we want to come to work to build a cathedral” (p. 135).

Within the environment of a Christian school we offer a holistic educational atmosphere that inspires students to pursue knowledge and understanding, and encourages them to encounter God in a deep and personal relationship. In essence, we challenge them to build cathedrals of their lives for the purposes of God.

For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

We’re building Cathedrals!

The Eternal Truth in 7:38

Many years ago, I had the privilege of getting to know Tino Wallenda Zoppe’. Tino is the grandson of Karl Wallenda of the Flying Wallenda’s. Tino and his family have a wonderful faith in Christ that they freely share as they perform on the high wire.

Recently while wrapping up my day at school, I came across a video of Tino. It was almost 5:00 p.m. so I didn’t feel guilty about talking a few minutes to pause and focus on something other than the school-day activities. Besides, the video was only 7:38 in length.

Tino was on the high wire describing how his grandfather taught him to maintain his balance by fixing his sight on a single focal point at the end of the wire. As he became more proficient on the wire he could look away and perform stunts with ease. Whenever he would begin to lose his balance, his sight automatically returned to that point at the end of the wire.

Tino said that life is the same way; we sometimes stumble and lose our balance. For Tino, the focal point of his life is his faith in Jesus Christ. When life gets out of balance, it is our faith in Christ, our spiritual equilibrium that brings us back to center.

I shared the video with a student who came by my office that afternoon. Afterwards the student remarked, “He (Tino) shared his faith through what he did; that’s what I want to do with my life.”

And THAT is the impact we want to have on all of our students! May it be so…

Here is the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx1eG3Z05Vs&list=HL1360875053&feature=mh_lolz

Abide in Me

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”  (John 15:7)

Donna and I are completing a 40 day prayer challenge based on Mark Batterson’s book The Prayer Circle. It has been a remarkable journey and a memorable way to start a new year. On day 30, the title was Abide in Me.

Batterson describes the various levels of education in Jewish culture to illustrate what it means to abide in Christ. The final stage, if one is invited, was “bet midrash” or “house of study.” A rabbi would select his disciples and invite them to “come, follow me.” Sound familiar?

The disciples would follow the rabbi in complete devotion, learning his philosophy and teachings: “The complete devotion of discipleship is sometimes described as being ‘covered in the dust of your rabbi’. It was an allusion to the fact that the disciples followed their rabbi so closely that the dust the rabbi kicked up with his heels would literally cover the disciples who followed him.”

What I took away from this reading was: if I am going to accomplish God’s purposes and plans for my life, I must abide in Him. In my journey through the reading of scripture I must follow my Rabbi so closely that the dust from the pages of His Word covers me.

That is my prayer for you this week; may you be covered in the God’s dust as you follow Him in His Word.

Blessings, my human friends...

The Deep End of the Pool

Some of the best lessons in life I learned when I was a kid. Like don’t go down a slide in a cardboard box because you have absolutely no control. Don’t slide down a mound of lime rock on a sheet of tin because you have absolutely no control. Okay, so maybe I needed more than one experience to drive that point home. But it only took one experience jumping from one tree to another to realize that wasn't a great idea. That’s also how I learned what it feels like to have the wind knocked out of you. It’s really amazing that I survived childhood!

One of the most important lessons I learned was how to swim. My dad taught me how to swim by throwing me in the deep end of the pool. I somehow made it to the shallow end spitting and sputtering only to realize that he was walking along side of me the whole length of the pool. He knew I could make it. He just wanted me to realize that I had the ability to swim.

God has done that with me on a few occasions. There are things I can only learn by just jumping in the pool of experience. He knows what I am capable of; I just need to prove it to myself.

As educators, we see the potential in each student. Some do not yet realize their ability and what they might become if they will just apply themselves. They need someone to guide them along the way and maybe even throw them into the deep end of the pool of learning. Just remember to walk along side to keep them from drowning…

There are other lessons in life that we cannot prepare for; we just have to experience them. There is no easy way to experience pain, loss, or failure. But it is much easier when we have someone who can help us walk through those tough times.

One of the reasons we work in Christian education is that we have the privilege of sharing Christ and His compassion with students and their families when they face challenging times. I always enjoy hearing from families about how our teachers reach out to them in times of need. Thank you, teachers, for caring for your students!

They are only human...