Over the past few months I have been writing about three elements of our theme for this school year – an extraordinary community of purpose. At the beginning of each year we develop a theme derived from our core values, mission, or vision.  This theme is more than a slogan. We use our theme as a reminder of the core beliefs that have given direction to our school for over twenty five years.

The first element of an extraordinary community of purpose is our desire to intentionally give space for and invite in the source and center of our community. We are committed to nurturing our community and focusing on drawing near to Christ as our source and center. The second element is to seek authentic relationship or connections within our community.

A few weeks ago we experienced one of the most powerful series of chapels in the history of our school. Irvin Brown shared about the importance of transparency and the transformation that comes in Christ.  He challenged us that what we do in this life echoes into eternity. He invited our students to forgive themselves and others, and to begin to see how risky and life changing it is to have an intentional loving relationship with Jesus Christ.  At the end of chapel, students came forward for prayer. It was a beautiful sight to see students and staff in tears praying together. The residual impact of that chapel continues. We are responding with a regular time of prayer for students at lunch time. Our recent chapels illustrated both our intention to respond to the Holy Spirit in our lives and to provide an opportunity for us to connect in authentic ways with each other. I believe with all my heart that it is through Christ and in the context of relationship that the most powerful learning and growing can occur.

The third element of an extraordinary community of purpose is challenge – we are challenged to dream big dreams. I believe that this generation of young people has unbelievable potential to impact the world. They are up for a challenge. I also believe that dynamic teams are fueled by the courageous pursuit of a purposeful vision.

In a few hours school will be shutting down early. Our community will be heading to a soccer field to support the vision and courage of our girls soccer team. In the same way our Cross Country team has pursued a vision. This past weekend our guys team finished 2nd and girls 3rd in the state. Like the soccer team this vision for excellence was accomplished after months of courageous preparation. Last weekend our performing arts program completed a fantastic performance of You Can’t Take it With You. They have persevered through the difficulties that come with pursuing a challenging task. We have students who have recently been recognized as National Merit Scholars. Years of disciplined endeavor have brought them to a place of intellectual prominence. There are also students for whom school work does not come easily, yet they courageously pursue learning in the face of discouraging results. We have students who have a vision to change the lives of poor and orphaned children at risk of exploitation in Thailand. Since they’ve returned from their trip this summer, they have told the story of these children. The response is a home being built this month that will save nearly thirty more children from exploitation. Our students are looking for a challenge. They want to start movements. They want to impact the world for Christ. It is right that our community inspire and encourage courageous visions such as the ones mentioned above.

Since school has started, my daughter has included an interesting clause in her prayer at dinner time. We get the typical “thank you for the food,” but she ends each prayer with, “thank you God for monkey bars.” She is passionate about monkey bars.  Everyday we get a report on the progress she has made in this pursuit. At the beginning of the school year she was struggling to get across. We celebrated that triumph at the dinner table, but the next day we heard about the next goal to go down and back, and then skipping a bar was the big accomplishment.  A month into school and she could wave to people between bars. She was pretty disappointed when she was out of commission for a few days, a case of blisters, but she was proud when her blisters became calluses. Next she hopes she will be able to “wrap her legs like licorice” while skipping bars and waving.

There are always new challenges to face if we are growing in Christ. I am humbled and blessed that God invites us to partner in His mission.  It is not easy to pursue a Christ-planted vision, but the challenge is worth it. Our community is fueled by the courageous pursuit of a purposeful vision. 

Thank you God for monkey bars.

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