Following the Apostle Paul, We Remember to Be Thankful
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” writes the Apostle Paul in a letter to the Philippian Church (Philippians 4:4, NIV). These are remarkable words, coming from a man who was under house arrest, bound by chains to a Roman guard all day long. In fact, the entire book of Philippians is a hope-filled letter that was meant to boost the spirits of a persecuted church and a suffering people. Whenever I need encouragement, I turn to this short but powerful letter. It contains some of my favorite memory verses.
How does this message of hope apply to Legacy Christian Academy during the coronavirus pandemic? Well, I think it serves as an antidote to feeling helpless. Paul reminds us that we have much to be thankful for, even in difficult times.
In The Living Insights Study Bible, Pastor Chuck Swindoll writes: “Thankful Christians are joyful Christians, and joyful Christians are thankful Christians. There is always room for a grateful heart” (p. 1,266). Cultivating an attitude of gratitude and discovering the many blessings that emerge from any trial are keys to overcoming the pessimism and pain that can sidetrack the most devout believer.
I was so pleased on the very first day of this academic year that not only were our LCA parents delighted to have their children back on campus, but the girls and boys were happy, too. (That was unusual — even the most serious of students may prefer to continue their summer play.) And moms and dads showed their delight. There has been an inspiring spirit of thanksgiving in the LCA community. I’ve received email after email from parents expressing their appreciation for the work of our teachers, staff, and administrators in serving their children during unprecedented circumstances. Here’s an excerpt from a note from one of our parents:
I wanted to express our family’s thanks for the work you and your team are doing to elevate the name of Jesus through education in such incredibly stressful times. I have a child in every school, and you’re all doing an amazing job, across the board.
And from another parent:
Just a quick note of encouragement and compliments to you and the entire LCA team! [My wife] and I have discussed LCA’s handling of this coronavirus pandemic from the onslaught in the spring to as recent as this week. We’ve been very impressed with how LCA has handled the manifold decisions required within an opaque and evolving reality. In particular, the frequent town halls and proactive communications have been appreciated.
Make no mistake, operating a school during a pandemic is hard, and at times seems overwhelming. But when we acknowledge and celebrate the small victories and blessings we experience on a daily basis and members of our warm and wonderful LCA community express their gratitude for all that’s going right, the task is no longer daunting but joyful.
As Paul reminds us, in Philippians 4:12–13, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Bill McGee is in his fifth year as Head of School at Legacy Christian Academy in Frisco, Texas. He is a veteran educator who has 40 years of experience serving in public and private schools, including 30 years serving as head of private schools in Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
Legacy Christian Academy is Frisco's preeminent Pre-K through 12 Christian school committed to educating students in a college preparatory environment balanced in academics, athletics, and fine arts–all within the context of a biblical worldview. For more information on Legacy, visit our admissions page.