A Personal Thank You
Dear Parents and Friends of SCS,
I’d like to take a moment to share a personal thank you. I’m not sure if it’s about turning another year older or all of the end-of-year activities, but at this time of year I always find myself reflecting on how God has brought me to this particular point in time. Because I have a son who graduated from high school this year, I reflected quite a bit about how God has brought him to this point. As I sat through the graduation ceremony, went through the reception line, and then celebrated with the community at various parties, I was struck by God’s amazing goodness and grace through it all.
Two weeks ago, I sat at a Kohler-Christian track banquet and talked to a few parents who chose not to do a graduation party at all. I really didn’t think much about that decision until I was at my own son’s graduation party. I was overcome by emotion when I looked around and considered how many people in our school and church community helped to raise our son in a distinctly Christian context. Robb and I could never have done it on our own. Nor could we have done it well in another school context. I am so grateful for the teachers, church members, students, family members, and friends that have come along side of Robb and me in raising our children to know the Lord. It is definitely a group effort. It has been an intentional, thoughtful investment of time and finances by many of us. It has been worth it all.
On a similar note, the other day my kids were talking about church, and the long standing tradition of hanging out after the service to talk to other members. The boys got into a conversation about all of the “old” people they enjoy talking to, and even commented about how much they learn from the conversations. Again, I was blessed to hear how God has put a community of Christian influence in their lives to help create exactly who they are to be.
For our family (and hopefully yours too), SCS and the community that makes it great has been the strong foundational component in raising our children. I hope that you will reflect on this as well. There is no doubt that with community, sometimes there is heartache, struggle, frustration, and humility. God promised that those things would definitely be a part of life. Still, what makes our school and community unique is that we rest on the assurance of God’s sovereignty, his faithfulness, and his promises. I can’t imagine raising my children in a community that didn’t share this same foundation.
Please take some time this summer to reflect about your part in the Christian community of SCS. How are you an integral part of collectively raising up our children? Do you regularly pray for specific things that will build our community up? Do you get involved by coming to events, cheering for kids you might not even know, volunteering, or sharing your personal expertise? Not one community member is too old, too young, too inexperienced, or too busy to take part in making our community stronger. Thank you for being a part of something so much bigger than each of us individually.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
With a Thankful Heart,
Ann Steenwyk
Director of Academics & Instruction