This comment came from a long-time Trinity family after one of the Parents’ Nights last week. They did not share it with me to express any sort of burden, or contend for some school record. Indeed, other families can claim the same or more. Rather, with big grins on their faces, they were wittily expressing their love and commitment to the school. “We LOVE this school!” was their message to me and the common refrain from so many others I spoke with last week. I also heard stories from Trinity parents… how a devoted teacher changed the life of their struggling child, how a son came to our school and suddenly
starting doing homework, how a daughter turned from tolerating school to loving it. As a new Headmaster, I was profoundly humbled.
And, as a new Headmaster, I reflected on a distinct blessing that is mine. Whatever great ways the school has
served the students, families, and community, I cannot mistake any of it as my success. There can be no confusion here, and no temptation to give myself any credit, because I am new and had no part of producing the great results. Rather, I have the freedom to look upon the school and simply enjoy what God has done for it, and how He has used many other hands to bring it to this time and place. What a privilege and joy! For there is far more joy to be found in the praise of God’s work than in my own. As time goes on and Trinity’s successes mount, my human nature may tempt me to consider my contribution and to receive the praises for my own sense of
self-worth and pride. I pray that never happens, because right now, as a new Headmaster, I am really satisfied
with marveling at God’s work at Trinity.
Furthermore, the time spent with parents last week has reminded me that the families of this community have built this school. Parents have taken risks, trusted us with their children, donated their time, invested their dollars, given us encouragement to carry on, and dispensed patience and grace through difficult times. In fact, the new office in which I now sit will serve as a constant reminder, for a parent has quite literally built
this space. “Trinity Christian School partners with parents in the community,” states one of our convictions. In this we acknowledge our mutual partnership and service in God’s work, knowing that all the praise for every success is His alone. In this way, Trinity is not a business serving clients within a community. Trinity IS
the community.
Stephen Sprague
Headmaster