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One of the things I love most about a new school year is the anticipation of a fresh start. Everything is new and clean. From school supplies to freshly painted classrooms, there's a feeling that we all have a clean slate.
Our theme for this year is #New Day. "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" Lamentations 3:22-23. Just like a new school year offers a chance for a new beginning, this verse reminds us that God's mercies are new each morning. Those feelings of excitement and expectation are available to us each day because we are loved by a God who promises to restore us when our strength is lacking and gives us new chapters and the chance to do better each day.
The prophet Jeremiah wrote this in a time of grief after the once great city of Jerusalem fell to Babylon. The book describes significant anguish and pain, but right in the middle, there is a beautiful passage of confidence and hope.
By reading this, we know that even in the darkest times, God is faithful every day, every morning.
I don't have to remind you that last year wasn't easy. We faced many challenges and experienced some tough moments. With God, we not only made it through but we thrived. Despite the things that were against us, Oakbrook had one of its most successful years yet in academics, arts, and athletics.
And in just a few weeks, we will begin a new school year filled with even more promise and opportunity! As I walk the empty halls now, I am filled with eagerness as I begin to envision the faces of our students and teachers. I can hear the crowd cheering on our sports teams, sweet voices singing in chapel, and the laughter of parents attending school events! We will see the return of our favorite school activities such as Fall Festival and Windy Gap and will introduce new traditions as well.
It's a New Day!
My prayer - and my challenge - for all of us is that we hold onto these feelings of anticipation and excitement. It sounds easy right now in the midst of back to school time, when everything is still fresh. But in a few weeks, after the school supplies aren't so new, the first grades are in, and those mornings become a little harder, it may be a little more difficult to welcome each new day with joy and mercy.
Try and be your "back to school" self all year long. Don't allow yesterday's worries or troubles to hold you back. Start each day fresh, excited, full of mercy, love, and grace. We serve a great God, and because of His great love we are not consumed!
Welcome back Oakbrook family! It's going to be an amazing school year!
In His grip,
Kyle Boyles
Head of School
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