Dear Parents,
Here we are. We have made our last pivot for this seemingly endless school year as we began on-site learning this past week. It is hard to imagine that just ten months ago the school year began with more than 300 students, parents and staff gathered at Stillwood camp celebrating a new school year. Who could have predicted that the end of the school year would have us maintaining physical distance, wearing masks and washing our hands until our skin was raw? But here we are.
I am strengthened with the knowledge that Jesus is indeed on the throne and that he knows everything that is happening, has happened and will happen. Covid-19 has taken much from us but it has also given us the opportunity to draw together as families and communities. I admire the creativity and ingenuity of people and the ways that they have adapted to this new reality. I appreciate and admire all of you as well. I have said it before and I will continue my mantra of saying, ‘Thank you for your amazing partnership!’ You have worked with us in doing something that none of us could have imagined possible and in such a short time!
While we celebrate the goodness of the Lord we are also saddened and heartbroken at the events of the past weeks. For many people, this COVID time has been a time of great stress and anxiety. At those times, when we become overwhelmed, we can tend to be our worst selves. We have seen that in the brutality that has been so public in the USA and in this country as well. We have seen an increase in racist behaviour and attitudes of superiority that have no place in the kingdom of God. At the same time, I am heartened by the peaceful protests of our young people- the future leaders of our country. These young people of all ethnicities have come together to stand for unity and equality.
This week I want to share Psalm 37 which is a very timely passage for such a time as this.
Psalm 37
Of David.
1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
2
for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
3
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
6
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
7
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
Be well. Be strong. Be Brave. Jesus is on the throne!
