Treasure

As we wrap up the school year, I am considering the things I really treasure. I treasure the school board members, who devote countless hours to looking at the big picture and considering the long-term sustainability of the school. I treasure the PTO and other parents, who work together for support and encouragement. I treasure our staff, who go above and beyond expectations to meet the needs of students every day. I treasure our students and am particularly sad to say goodbye to those who are moving away. And as I think of the break coming up, I treasure the time I will have to spend with my family, celebrating my niece’s high school graduation.

I also treasure God and his faithfulness. The story of Dalat is one that only comes about through the all-sufficiency of God himself. The school has been through four campuses in three countries; through two wars, a tsunami, and a pandemic. Only God can sustain a school and make it thrive despite all those adversities.

I am reminded of a conversation Jesus had with one of his followers.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40).

Jesus commands us to not only treasure God and our neighbors, but to show love to them. My response to this gratitude for the people I treasure should be to love them with everything I have. As we take a break from school and some of our routines, may we continue to prioritize loving God and the people in our lives.