One of the great blessings of being a high school administrator is seeing students grow over the course of time. It warms my heart to see students mature in their faith, increase in their knowledge, and begin to discover the gifts that God has given them. And as they graduate, there is a sense of pride and accomplishment that emanates from them.
Similarly, the teachers I get to serve with warm my heart as they grow in their profession and develop special, long lasting relationships with students as well as colleagues. The school environment lends to these types of bonds, and during such impressionable times for young people, they can grow strong. During times where teachers and administrators seek to do their best for the students, bonds among them become very strong as well.
The only occupational hazard in this situation is that inevitably the students move on! They are in high school for seemingly a short span of time, and even though they grow and experience much, the time goes quickly! It seems like in the blink of an eye they go through their four years, leave an impression, develop a bond, and then move on to what God has in store for them next. Similarly, sometimes teachers and administrators move on, and in looking back on time in service together, it seems as though that time has gone quickly as well.
Certainly, an element of excitement exists when I think about what the students will do next, and how God will continue to use them to bless others lives as well. They leave with so much potential, and yet, they will be missed! Similarly, when thinking of teachers and fellow administrators that have given so much and blessed my life in many ways, I feel a sense of sadness when they decide to move on to other things in life. This year, specifically, I’ll miss Ms. Delzeith, Miss Carson, and Mr. Doerffler!
All in all, I appreciate the time that I’ve been able to spend with the students, teachers and fellow administrators, and will have fond memories of them. God continues to bless! Also, as they go, I keep in mind these words from Colossians, that have served as the basis for our theme this year:
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” ~ Colossians 1:9-10
This is my prayer for all those that will be moving on to new things next year!
Following His Lead,
Mychal Thom,
Head of School