“Heart and soul” is an interesting concept, the center of our being, the mere presence of which has been hotly debated throughout history. But, if our nature is not testimony enough, God’s word makes its presence and importance perfectly clear:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Prov. 4:23
“Out of the overflow of his heart the mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45
“My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will be glad.” Prov. 23:15
And, in David’s beautiful confession to God, he prays “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.” Ps. 51:6
We each have a heart (or soul). Our minds might be deceived, or they may give way to disease, such as Alzheimer’s, but the Lord preserves the soul. When our lives are crumbling around us, and “when sorrows like sea billows roll,” we can sing out, “It Is Well with My Soul.”
So, to the extent that our school has “life,” we can ask (at least figuratively), “What is the heart and soul of our school?” I don’t know if I can answer such a question, at least not with any certainty, as there are many different perspectives or ways of expressing it. But, I’ve seen a few things recently that give me a clue:
- I attended the two Elementary Awards Ceremonies a few weeks ago, and I was deeply touched by the love that teachers shared with their students. It was a celebration of student achievement, but I think those in attendance would join with me in saying that what we really saw on display was the love that teachers had for all their students.
- I have recently seen and heard of teachers who have shared remarkable love and grace for students in the daily duty of instruction. There are many distractions and behaviors that might bring down the classroom, but our teachers respond with loving discipline and then dole out remarkable grace. Each day begins afresh as students are welcomed by open arms.
- The early morning biathlon this past Saturday was a remarkable achievement for our students and other faculty and family members who participated. But, it wasn’t the achievement that filled my heart with gladness; rather, it was seeing fathers swimming and running alongside their children, and students encouraging and cheering on other students. It was beautiful.
Again, I don’t know how to nail down the heart and soul of our school. But, I think it has something to do with the love that we have received from our Father in heaven, and His love that we share with others.
In Christ,
Stephen Sprague
Headmaster