There’s a hymn that I sang as a child that begins, “I stand amazed…” Nothing could be more accurate at this moment.
Following last Saturday’s auction, I stand amazed at the goodness of God and the generosity of our donors, sponsors, and families who gave of their time and resources. I share with awe that this year’s auction set a record, bringing in nearly $65,000.
“I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner condemned, unclean. How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!”“I Stand Amazed in the Presence”
by Charles H. Gabriel
Are those stanzas not the entire purpose of a Christ-centered education? We are here to leverage academic excellence to instill in our students a recognition of how great their Savior’s love is for each and every one of them. And how fitting that we should reflect upon this as we approach our Thanksgiving holiday.
But may I confess something?
If we were to rewind to just over a week ago, I had my doubts how this auction would go. Which seems absurd when we consider all that God has done for LCS this year. How can we not trust Him?
A Confession
It’s humbling to recognize myself falling prey to the same doubts that plagued the Israelites. How could they walk through the Red Sea on dry ground, witness the decimation of Pharaoh’s army, yet still doubt God’s provision? I easily judge them for complaining about food and water or questioning if God would drive out the inhabitants of the Promised Land. Yet I quickly find myself doing the same thing.
In my own life, I have seen God provide for my family’s needs. This summer, we witnessed Him move in a powerful way to provide. Yet even then, fear and doubt creep in. Will God still provide? Is He still in control?
Yes.
A Thanksgiving Prayer
In the front display at the school, we have student artwork surrounding a jar of stones. This is our Ebenezer. Our reminder as a community of the way God has provided.
This Thanksgiving, I pray that your celebration will not be marked by family drama or awkward politics, but that this will be a praise of what God has done for you this past year. For myself, I have so much to be thankful for, including you.
“The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.
The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”Psalm 145:13-18
About the Author
Michael Blankenship brings 10+ years of experience in Christian education to the role as Head of School at Lima Christian School. A product of Christian education himself, he is passionate about partnering with families and churches to disciple students to become Saints: people set apart to use their God-given talents in lives honoring Jesus Christ.
