Reflection for March 22, 2021:
Well, spring is finally here. To think where we are compared to the
previous spring season is something phenomenal at best. As many things are different than they were a
year ago, many others are still the same.
Nothing of course has come without significant adjustment, planning and
re-planning, sleepless nights and most of all…worry.
Our school is attending full days however; these days do not
look like the days of school’s past.
Regulations and restrictions haven’t gone away; they have just developed
into new and different regulations and restrictions. Procedures have given away to new, amended
procedures that will almost certainly be re-amended again later into newer
procedures. COVID has not gone away
either. As evident in the continued
positive cases within our schools, cities, and families it is clear that we are
not out of the woods yet.
So, where does this leave us? Things seem normal in our little world don’t
they? Our OLMC students are in schools
yet our classes and lessons look very different. Our athletes are back on the playing fields
yet our games and practices look very different. Our school year has seemingly droned on and
yet, each day opens with uncertainty and difference. It is safe to say that things are beginning
to look the same only…different.
So this is where we are left - a new spring a year later in
the middle of our Lenten journey. A
Lenten season that seems it has been going on throughout the entire year. We sit in the face of constant challenge and
slow progression and many of us have failed to see Jesus in all of it. How are we supposed to do that seems to be
the echoing question I have faced, and if I am to be truthful, asked myself so
many times throughout these past 365-Plus days.
It’s been a long trip for all of us I know, however, it is important to
remember that we all have in fact been on this trip! There are going to be issues that continue to
arise and, although our school year looks “normal” it is/has been anything
but. The struggle to implement and grow
through this school year still remains until the end. We are NOT back to normal in any way –
socially, academically, athletically, etc. and unfortunately won’t be for quite
some time. That is why it is important
to take joy in the small growth and steps we have made as an organization to
date, and hopefully, the large steps we have made as individuals in the face of
this extended Lenten season.
Nine full calendar weeks, forty school days, and a lifetime
is what remains of this year at OLMC.
While other schools across our nation are just now discussing bringing
students back to class for the first time in over a year, we are in a small
group of schools and school districts who moved forward navigating the
ever-changing frontier. Perhaps next
year will be better. Uncertainty remains
yet, so does hope. This year has become
much more about relevance than about curriculum; much more about social and
mental health than about academic performance, and much more about perseverance
than advancement!
As we move forward in the year(s) to come, I pray that we
will be able to get the focus back on those other endeavors but for now,
remember it is a new spring and, like with all springs, gives rise to new life. Let us pray that we grow in Christ during
this season of Lent and we are able to show Him to others who are also walking
the same path. May we all remember to
show Grace just as we receive it.
God bless!
Mr. Swann