"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).
As I look back on the past year, I have a lot of reasons to be thankful. God has chosen to bless me and my family, and He has chosen to bless Ignite Christian Academy.
Being truly thankful can be a difficult task. It has been for me in the past year. In November of 2011, my son was born with a terminal genetic disease. Over the following nine months, he went to countless doctor appointments, lived in a bedroom full of medical equipment, and was hospitalized on a regular basis. On his nine month birthday, he passed away from complications due to his condition.
My son endured a lifetime of challenges in nine months. As his parent, I found it challenging to meet his ever growing list of medical needs, yet in spite of those challenges, he was a true blessing to our family. His constant need for care allowed me to spend a lot of time with him. My other children learned how to happily make sacrifices for others. His life affirmed the truth of the gospel in the hearts of me, my wife, and my other children.
Our lives are full of challenges and burdens that can seem overwhelming. We have projects, tests, chores, and courses to complete, possible medical concerns, and many other obligations and trials. It is important to remain thankful for the things God blesses us with to help us through all those challenges. God has blessed me with my family and church family. He has also blessed me with the assurance of His saving grace. How has the Lord blessed you in the past year?
This month I would like to challenge the students of Ignite Christian Academy to consider the things for which they are thankful. Thank the Lord in prayer for those blessings and ask for the strength and skills to be successful in the challenges you are facing.
Mr. Joseph Bakker
Dean of Education