"Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work."
-CS
Lewis-
There are
two ways to answer that question:
There is a
diagnostic response, which is important and can focus our efforts and revisions
to education in the next years as we resume something closer to our former
academic life as a school. I am very convinced that our teachers can adapt this
fall, and in the years to come. In part, this is why students in grades five
through eight will be taking the Measure of Academic Progress test in the next nine
days. We are keen to measure what they have learned and what they are ready to
learn next so that we serve them well. We believe that students within this age
group can take these tests successfully and the results will be credible.
But there
is also a relational response, which starts with the bold declaration that our
children belong to God before they belong to anyone else, and that the Lord
will sustain them (Psalm 55:22). God asks us to be part of those efforts. A
“COVID booster” response of emphasizing to our children that they are known by
name by God, and that we know and love them seems more appropriate than ever. They
will have a lifetime among other faithful people to figure out grade specific
details that may have been delayed due to COVID, but knowing they are loved
can’t wait. One of the ways our children come to know that they are loved by
God is that they are loved within their family. When we build a shed, read a
book, try out a new recipe, or repair a bike – deliberately with them,
that is part of God sustaining them.
And in the
end we come to realize its good for us as parents too.
SJ
