February 16, 2012

Happy belated Valentine's Day to you! Were you treated well? Did you feel appreciated?

That special day fits in well with our school theme. "The Lord has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love His brother (and sister)" 1 John 4:21. Our celebration of love continues. We are in the middle of planning special surprises from one class to another in the building, as an expression of our love for others. While that is a great thing to do, this week I thought about another aspect of love that sometimes we neglect to discuss.

Have you ever thought about love being expressed as a law or a boundary in an effort to express love? When my older brother was young, he was placed in a harness and attached with a rope to our backyard clothesline. The reason for that action was that my active brother demonstrated a tendency to wander, and my parents were concerned that his next playground would be the street in front of our house. What a demonstration of love. My parents didn't want my brother to get hurt; however, my brother was not impressed with that demonstration of love.

There are many other examples of laws and practices that confine people, but at the same time demonstrate love and concern. Parents often impose things that children may not appreciate. Bed time, snack time, screen time are all examples of parental decisions which may not be popular with the children.

Let's remind ourselves that not all people are excited about the consequences of love. Let's remind ourselves that it is the heart that matters. Let's remind ourselves that sometimes love hurts emotionally.

May you as parents be assured that the love you express today that may not be popular with your children will be recalled with fondness once your children are adults. Blessings to you as you love your children.

In Christ,

Mr. G. Petrusma

Prinicpal