Clothes for Summer June 10, 2013

As this is the last full week of school it is a good time to pause and reflect on the year.  We have experienced the undulations we see each year; there were the ups and downs, highs and lows, and everything in between.  We have been living and learning this year and, at times, learning how to live.  Colossians 3 discusses living as those made alive in Christ.  Teaching from a Christ-centered perspective we care a great deal about the content our students learn.  We help our students discern the worldview that the content supports and equip them for the next steps in learning, from Kindergarten to Grade 8.  We know that preparing them academically for the next step is only part of our calling.  We want students to be prepared physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually for the next steps as well.   Colossians 3 has been home base for how we discuss the character we want to see in our students and the culture we hope to see forming throughout the interactions at school.  Our flesh is weak and unable to sustain us so we must put our trust elsewhere.  I will take some time to paraphrase this passage for our students and the graduating class of 2013.  This passage gives us a vision for living.

Sons and daughters of God, shed what needs to be shed.  Let die the things in our flesh that we dwell on and magnify.  Chisel out of your lives rage and anger, talking behind peoples back, language that is dirty and filthy, and lying to save your skin.  Be a new person in Christ, who is in all, and grow in maturity to reflect the image of Him. Let others see your identity in Christ in you as you put on the garments of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Support and sustain each other living a grace filled life, giving and receiving forgiveness.  And over all of these wonderful things put on love which holds it all together.