Celebration Days

Friendly question: What does Proverbs 22:6 have to do with racing bikes and hopping around in colored sacks?

Friendly answer: Everything.

This morning at our Bandana Dash and Field Day, I was blessed to witness one of the lesser-emphasized applications of a great truth: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6).  Though no lectures were given, no Scripture verses recited, no quizzes administered, our students were "trained up" with joy and festivity today. As all those bright-eyed children hoofed it around the lake (careening bikes on their heels), as the field events put flush into cheeks and sweat on brows, and as parents, teachers, and older students came together with their time, money, and service, those two things stood front-and-center above all else: joy and festivity.

It's the way God does things.  He didn't just administer the Law; he also gave us days for celebration (Lev. 23; Is. 25:6). He wants us to be sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8), but he also gives us the wine of gladness (Eccl. 9:7; Is. 25:6). And perhaps above all, he desires mercy and love, not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6).

Today, our students tasted and saw that Gospel life is good. As a parent, I'm grateful to each of you for a school family that shows our children love, sacrificial energy, and blessings abounding.  Thank you for continuing to make ACA such a wonderful place.

Grace and Peace, Nate Ahern