A Long Obedience in the Same Direction

Back in my cross-country coaching days, I liked to tell the joke about how, while most people say, "Time heals all wounds," runners say, "Time wounds all heels."

So there's that.  But my real point is that it seems reasonable to divide people into a couple basic categories: those who ripen with time and change (usually gathering wisdom), and those who wither and dry up as time goes on (usually turning into cynics).  Can we apply this to education?  And how!

Put another way, I like to beat dead horses (metaphorically), and my current dead horse is this: life is full of rich change, also known as sanctification, and it's one of our biggest jobs as parents and educators to fill our kids to bursting with the joy of it.  I've said this several times and in several ways last year, and I don't want us to forget it as we enter each new school year: despite the reality of God-given trials, life is glorious, life is rich, and that's why we send our kids to school.  We want them to love God's world so that they can transform God's world.  Not wither up, or be chronically heel-wounded.

Consider this a hearty welcome to the school season.  As you hustle through uniform options, supplies purchases, and transportation arrangements, let's remember why we're here.  For our kids.  For "a long obedience in the same direction," and for teaching them the rewards of hard work and cheerfulness.

Hearty blessings on your year ahead, and may we faithfully encourage our children to strive for excellence as they live for the glory of God and the good of all people.

Grace and Peace, Nate Ahern