How do we face this world and how do we raise our children here?
In classical education, we talk a lot about truth, goodness and beauty, and we uphold these objective standards for our children. What I have been realizing lately is how vital this is for grown-ups too. Maybe it is harder to see these standards the more we learn about the world’s shortcomings (and our own!), but then, that makes the pursuit ever more important. So, where do we look for truth, goodness, and beauty?
My job is a real blessing. I have the chance to interact with so many children who hug me and can’t wait to tell me what excites them. I get a window into all the elementary classrooms and see teachers bring subjects to life, and encourage students to find joy. I talk to parents about their children growing, changing, and becoming more mature as I see them develop through the years.
I see a child, who always previously resisted apology, freely admit wrongdoing and truly repent. I see multiple teachers working from different vantage points to help one student have a more positive attitude about school. I see a teacher bending down to a kindergartener to explain (again) why we share and giving examples of words that encourage. I see a seventh grader look up to a senior who has come bearing advice about how to succeed in upper school. It is these things that remind me that there is beauty and truth and goodness.
What I have been doing recently is looking in the wrong places, like the news. Maybe you have too. We can’t look to this world with its brokenness and hope to be uplifted. But we can look at all the ways God is working around us to preserve His remnant and keep us fighting the good fight. HE is good, true, and beautiful, and when we look for Him, we find our encouragement.
Jennifer Cable
Elementary School Principal
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8