Yesterday I read the newsletter sent out by the National Director for Lutheran Schools. Two paragraphs particularly caught my attention. The first line in the first paragraph stood out, because the day before I read in the QT that the mother of a past Bethany student had died.
Time is a gift – each time you attend a funeral you are reminded of this. Time is also an opportunity – the beginning of each new year reminds us of this. For me a new year is particularly a time to be aware of God’s good gifts to us, whether they be health, family, food, material wellbeing or time itself.
The challenge at this time of the year is thus to become more aware of the opportunities and wide range of resources, particularly human, around us and to plan intentionally to make something worthwhile with them. In this way we have the privilege of being part of God’s on-going creation as we work, as stewards, with what he has given us. He has certainly been generous to us. Furthermore, he continues to work with us to inspire, forgive, sustain and provide all that we need.
(IN FOCUS Feb. 1999 Adrienne Jericho)
This year as a school parent I am aware of the passing of time. For me too, the time has finally come when I realize that my youngest children are in their last year of primary school. The time has gone very quickly, and that realization will make this year a very precious one for me.
Time comes and time goes. What remains depends on what has been done with the gift: wonderful memories – brilliant insights – shared learning experiences – a soft spot for friends– understanding and a tolerance or even joy in appreciating a different culture – thankfulness for little things – respect for others even when disagreeing with them – willingness to accept difference – confidence to do our personal best – courage to stand by my faith – good manners and many, many other blessings.
Students and parents how will you view the gift of time this year? Worth reflecting on, I think!
Neil P. Schiller