Chalk Talk

Yesterday, our fourth and fifth graders took time to decorate the sidewalk out front with bright colors, pictures, and personal quotes. They made a huge welcome back sign with encouraging messages for the rest of the ICSV students who are able to return to campus starting on Monday. What a lovely way to celebrate the exciting news that schools are once again open!

One of the quotes really stood out to me. It said: You make a life with what you have, not what you’re missing. This is rather deep for a 9 or 10 year old to share. I feel like it has taken me a lifetime to learn this lesson, and I still don’t have it down perfectly. 

Over the last year, we have needed to make a life within the guidelines of the different restrictions imposed upon us by the Covid situation. We are missing out on a lot of fun and meaningful activities that we truly miss. And yet, it is by embracing what we have that we will find contentment. We can spend the whole time commiserating over what we can’t do, or we can find joy in what we can do. We can go outside and walk around the city, enjoying the beautiful trees covered with the spring blossoms. We can enjoy the daffodils and tulips carefully planted for our pleasure. We can take a bike ride along the Donau with those in our family. We can take advantage of technology and connect with family and friends who are far away but seem ever so close as we laugh together through the screen. We can order things that we need on Amazon. We can pick up prepared food and enjoy it in our own yards or on our balconies. 

What can you add to this list?  What things do you have right now in your life that you can continue to enjoy? I encourage us all to focus on these things instead of getting stuck thinking about what we miss. 

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, stating: Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Enjoy your weekend as you focus on all the blessings that God has given to you. We will see everyone back at school next week!

Because of His Faithfulness,

Sharon Brobst, Director