LEAven Blog

“Celebrate good times, COME ON!” If you are a child of the early 1980s like I am, you probably remember this Kool and the Gang tune. I vividly remember hearing this song on the radio (WLS 890, for all you Chicago-area folks) on the way back from a high school basketball game, which we won 105-39 (I know… it is difficult to believe I was ever on a team that won by that score). Go ahead and find it on Spotify. It is a catchy, fun, and joyful tune. I am sure it will stick with you for a while!

As I write this post, we are in the midst of a celebration: National Lutheran Schools Week. Many who will read this post may have special dress-up days and events during the week to thank God for the blessing of Lutheran schools and Christian education. There is SO MUCH to celebrate. What a great blessing Lutheran schools are, and I am very thankful for all Lutheran schools and workers. While last week was the official commemoration, let the thankfulness and celebration continue!

I am thankful for and celebrate…

• All educators in Lutheran schools, no matter their background, are committed to sharing Jesus with students EVERY DAY.
• Anyone associated with a Lutheran early childhood center.
• Administrators who lead with purpose, vision, and compassion
• Support staff in Lutheran schools, including administrative assistants, cooks, counselors, facilities workers, and many others who support education in Lutheran schools.
• Pastors who prioritize education ministries within their congregations
• Small, rural schools, bringing Jesus to students in sparsely populated areas.
• Suburban Lutheran schools, sharing Jesus amidst a changing culture.
• Urban Lutheran schools, proclaiming the Gospel through education among diverse populations.
• Students and families connected to Lutheran schools.
• Schools that provide an excellent traditional education in their setting.
• Classical education, Lutheran schools, microschools, and all those that operate under other educational models.
• All the education executives around the country who support Lutheran education.
• Retired educators who have faithfully served the Lord through their classroom teaching.
• College professors who train our next generation of teachers.
• Those who are preparing to teach in Lutheran schools.
• Coaches, music directors, reading specialists, technology personnel, and anyone who shares a specific gift or aptitude with students and families.
• DCEs who partner with classroom educators in many ways.
• Lutheran Education Association (LEA), and its unwavering support for Christian education and Lutheran schools.

God has richly blessed His church through Lutheran education. That is why we celebrate – not to say, “look at us”, but to proclaim, “look what God has done!” Let’s continue to celebrate Lutheran schools – COME ON!