to do. Change in our lives is usually prompted by a crisis, a great need, an honest acknowledgement, or strong desire. But, even under those circumstances, we still tend to resist change, even when it is good for us.
And yet, I keep getting reports from teachers, principals, and parents about students who have changed, in some cases rather suddenly and dramatically. A student goes from apathy and bad grades to an unmistakable joy and diligence in his work that leads to academic success. A student stops openly defying the teacher in class and decides instead to trust her. A student finally realizes that he is loved by those around him, and so he opens himself up to friendship in a new way. A student suddenly changes from a routine of lies, cover-ups, and excuses to a spirit of contrition and humble trust. And then, one of our older students makes the most radical change that can possible occur and commits her life to Jesus, someone she scarcely knew about five months earlier.
These reports remind me of a time I changed. Now, don’t tell on the Headmaster to your kids, but I was a bit of a troublemaker in my lower elementary years. In fourth grade, I earned my teacher’s record number of pink slips for crimes against teacher, fellow student, or mankind. Socially, I didn’t get along well with others. Academically, my grades were low and efforts spotty. But, all that changed in 5th grade. My attitude, my friendships, my respectfulness for elders, my behavior, and my grades…they radically changed. Fifth grade put me on a trajectory that carried me all the way through college and graduate school. I don’t know that I ever understood what caused such a change, but my parents give great credit to my 5th grade teacher. I still remember his name- Mr. Zalezo.
At school, we have the tremendous joy and privilege of witnessing lives being changed. We know that this is ultimately God’s work, and that He uses other more important means to bring about change, such as the family, the church, and His Word. But, at school we often get to see it happen. And in big or small ways, our teachers may have the honor of acting as agents of change in the lives of their students.
So, what about you? When did you change?
In Christ,
Stephen Sprague
Headmaster
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Rom 12:2