As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, I invite you to press “pause” so you can reflect on the abundant blessings God continually pours into our lives. In the spirit of I Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances,” I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve as part-time head of school and principal at a local PK-8 Christian school.
CACE walked alongside this school in their executive search last year. We found an outstanding candidate who was the right fit, but he could not start his duties until the 2026-27 school year. The board wisely offered him a contract but needed to fill the role for the 25-26 year.
It has been a life-giving pleasure to serve in this role, alongside an amazing partner and instructional leader who made time in her schedule to co-lead. With that frame in mind, here is “What I am thankful for” as an interim head of school and building principal (two distinct roles!):
As an interim head of school, I’m thankful for—
- the privilege Christian schools have to unlock the “integralness” of God’s Story into every lesson, conversation, and decision. In a world that tries to pull us in conflicting directions, we get to participate in the Spirit’s formational and unifying work of pointing students to Jesus.
- for dedicated teachers who model Christlike love and academic excellence each day in their classrooms.
- supportive parents who understand the partnership needed, with the church and the school, to raise children who want to follow Jesus and equip them with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to be skilled interpreters of the world around them.
- school board members rooted in their school’s mission, women and men who think strategically about sustainability and flourishing.
As the interim principal, I am thankful for students, living testimonies of God’s creativity and purpose. From preschoolers reciting Psalm 23 to fifth graders solving problems in multiple ways to 8th graders leading multi-grade groups, I see the Spirit at work each day.
Specifically, I praise God for—
- curious minds that ask big, important questions about faith, science, and justice.
- compassionate hearts that show up in curriculum-based service projects.
- encouragement shown to peers at competitions as well as forgiveness shown on the playground.
- resilient spirits that grow through challenges and failures, learning to “run the race” with perseverance (Hebrews 12:1 and our school theme for this year).
What’s on your Thanksgiving list? I hope you take the time to write your blessings down.
This Thanksgiving break (and I do hope you can press pause and take a true sabbath from your work), may we echo the psalmist: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise!”
Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving filled with faith, family, and some feasting!
Lead well,
Tim
