A different perspective

I think this is the first, if not only, Covenant Connection that has been written from the rooftop.  A few weeks ago, I challenged our students to meet and surpass their past fundraising achievements for the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation - our local health care facility.  Quickly and quietly, they did just that, culminating in our annual 'Jerry's Peach Bud 10k' on Friday morning.  I challenged them to offer up to their families and neighbours the opportunity to support the sick in their community.

So, as a result of their diligence and work ($8300 and counting...), I am now sitting at the top of our school building... literally.  It's a beautiful day, and I'm enjoying basking in their fundraising results.  (The newspaper photographer is here documenting my 'perch').

A new position gives you a different perspective.  Often in the daily rush of activity, one can get stuck in seeing only the immediate.  Taking a bit of time out to see a more 'global' perspective lets you see your context better.  Looking out over the town of Smithville and across the Niagara region, I am wondering... "What would happen if Covenant Christian School disappeared tomorrow?  Would people notice?  Would there be an impact?"  As a leader, one certainly hopes so, but it also gives us pause to consider the 'serving' aspect of our tagline.  How else can we grow in our impact of showing Christ's love to our region?  In other words, how can we make sure that we are an integral part of our community and our region?

Our students are NOT the future of the church or leaders of tomorrow.... they ARE the church; they are leading already TODAY.  Taking hold of opportunities like fundraising for the Peach Bud Run and our local health care facility, and having students grow in character, learning, and service is one big way that Covenant is making a difference.

As we move forward to complete this academic year and lay plans for next year, we remind ourselves that if we plug in to God's power, it is then that we can shine as Children of Light.... here in our school, in our community, and beyond.