Welcome back to a new school year at Calvin Christian School. I am appreciative of the trust given me to be in the Acting Principal role until we find a new Principal.
I look forward to partnering with you and your family in education and all that this involves as we journey through 2020.
It is on my heart to highlight the importance of being a worshipful community. As I shared with staff on our first day back last week, this is not just corporate worship where we praise our wonderful God through song and prayer, but it is inviting the presence of God through the Holy Spirit into every aspect of our lives (obviously I spoke of the school context). But for all of us, this means into our homes, as we step into our cars, at work, as we deal with difficult situations, as we meet with friends… We need to acknowledge Him and His power to change the atmosphere, our anxious thoughts, our negative emotions, our problems or to increase our joy and peace.
We need to put Him first all the time and nothing should take that place, not our busy-ness, not our fears and anxieties, not our finances, our friends, not even our family (so hard!). Matthew 6:33 reminds us to ‘seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.’ He is always available and ready for us to find Him and to worship Him in those anxiety-riddled situations. Do we run to worship, searching for Him, or lean into worry and doubt?
Darlene Zschech wrote in her book, Extravagant Worship, ‘The pure song of the heart that is yearning for more of God, and less of himself, is the music that holds the key to so many victories…and delights the heart of God.’ What might a problem look like if we were looking at it whilst holding the Father’s hand?
This might all seem very basic to those of us who love our God, but when we are so easily caught up in what we do, rather than who God is and what He might desire, it is no longer basic. And to those of us who are still searching for truth, ask God to reveal His love.
May God bless you.
Ineke Laning – Acting Principal