To say I am thankful for the way the 2020-2021 school year has started would be a tremendous understatement. Am I the only one who has persistently asked the Lord to meet a need only to be somewhat surprised when He does just that? Probably not. These first few days of school have been a reminder that God is both willing and able to meet our needs and requests. I am thankful that He is gracious even when our faith is not as strong as it should be.

I recently told a colleague that over the last few months there were several instances in which I felt like a rookie. That statement is true even though I just finished my 20th year in school administration. I don’t think I have ever been so humbled in my professional / ministerial role as I have been from the challenges associated with planning for this school year. I am so thankful for the empowering Spirit of God and for the network of colleagues and stakeholders who listened and offered suggestions concerning this school year. The entire Berean family is benefitting from their contributions.

Being thankful for the nice start does not imply we are immune to serious challenges. We recognize the necessity of diligence in planning for those challenges, so we are well-prepared to deliver an excellent Christian education to our students. We will continue to monitor procedures and practices that will maximize the health and safety of our students and staff members. When changes are warranted, we will make adjustments to best serve our families.

May God continue to bless our school, and may we recognize that He uses challenges and blessings to further shape us into who He has designed us to be.