SO PROUD OF YOU GIRLS!

This last Friday I was blessed to be a part of New Covenant School's first ever commencement/graduation. I played music. (big surprise) There were two graduates. Liz and Mallie, both of whom I've worked with in chapel this past year. (You ladies rock!)

The ceremony was beautiful! Congressman J. Gresham Barrett gave an address that was astoundingly God-glorifying, considering it was coming from a politician. (Nothing personal, Congressman.) Vote for this man if you can. The fathers gave speeches to their daughters and I don't think there was a person not moved or moved to tears. Two teachers performed "The Prayer" to a slide show of childhood pictures of the girls (who had been best friends for years) and then, through overwhelming and bittersweet joy and love, those two graduates addressed their graduating class (each other). They were, at the very least, impressive. I wanted to whoop and holler at many points in the middle of their speeches as they were fanning back tears and explaining to the audience that "it wasn't the sad part yet."

What really got to me, and what I went away with, was the profound sense of the importance of education, of the teacher. I haven't technically been a "teacher", more a mentor/advisor. However, I have been blessed to have a place of influence into the lives of the students at the school. I have absolutely loved every second of working with them. They are often the high points of my week, and as I though walking away from that ceremony, I cannot imagine not being involved in their lives. There was a sadness knowing that time with Liz and Mallie was done, that they wouldn't be a part of the raucous-ness of another chapel retreat. I think this leaves me all the more inspired for next year with the students who I will continue to work with (Lord willing).

I find myself with a heart not just for the chapel group, but for individual students, even outside the ones I work with regularly, 'cause I've substitute taught for a stint, I teach piano lessons (30 minutes of 1-on-1 time that often matters more for character development than piano instruction), and I've been involved in school discipline. I care who they are. I care what they're going through. I care who they'll become. A lot. I can't imagine not. During the reception I talked with a teacher about the importance of quality education, of teachers who care, and of a system that is founded in faith. It took me by surprise when he said that too few teachers actually care about their students. I can't imagine being a teacher and NOT caring! I barely understand how that's possible! Teachers who don't give a flip about their students?!!! ... wow. 'Cause that's part of the joy. You can be a part of the student's life. And schools like NCS, where there is a real sense of family, and the school is so active in extracurricular things, and where there are church families involved, and lifelong friends ... It's a network. It's a community. The blessings of a small school, I suppose. At NCS the teachers can get close to their students. One married couple, both teachers, constantly have students in their home. They have no children of their own, so it's like the entire school is their family.

And shortly these students will be the adults of our world. They will be defining culture, politics, religion, and the economy. They will be shaping our lives. They are so important. More than what they learn now being significant, who they are becoming is crucial.

...

So yeah. I can't find the words for it, but there is this deep, penetrating sense of purpose and importance that I feel knowing that I'm a part of at that school. I ... can't describe it. I hope that you can understand.

Liz. Mallie. So very proud of you both. I pray the Lord blesses the professions of faith and purpose you gave to us at your commencement. Shine bright, girls. The Lord is faithful. We're all pulling for you.