The Soil of a Heart at Rest

Our hearts can be at peace because of His presence.

By: Ansley Bonaventure, Middle School Principal

Rest?  Who is resting in “May-vember?” The upcoming month is so very full for parents of all students in private schools, public schools, preschools, and likely even home schools. Our schedules are packed in with end-of-the-year gatherings, trips, serving opportunities, showing appreciation to teachers and all who have served so faithfully this school year, banquets, pool parties, not to mention the last assignments, projects, and make-up work!

May! There’s no time to rest as we stagger toward the proverbial finish line!

A Heart at Rest

Oh, but our Lord’s ways are not ours. God not only calls us to rest, He calls us to operate out of a heart at rest. Parents, if we are not living out of His rest and His presence, we will definitely “crash out,” as our middle schoolers say. But, is there another way? A better way to approach the end of a school year?

Consider the Great Commission: 

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20

Don’t let the structure of this go unnoticed: Jesus first reminded us of his authority, then gave us our job description, and closed by reminding us of His presence.

How should this impact our parenting? How should this impact the way that we enter the month of May? First, may we remember that every moment in every day is under His authority. May we first remind ourselves of this. 

Then, we go into our calling – as parents, friends, and co-laborers – may we do our work “in the name of the Lord.” If our schedules don’t speak His name, then use a “no.” If we are too busy to be kind to people, then use a few more “nos”! If our wallets can’t support all of the gifts at this time of year, then create instead of purchasing. All in His name.

Finally, after remembering His authority, go and do the work to which He has called us. We must remember that He has not left us alone. His presence is with us always, and His ways are of rest and peace. While our pace may be harried, our hearts can be at peace because of His presence.

Even as we near the end of a school year, there is much still in process; growth is still happening in our students and in our own hearts. And, the soil that will produce joy and the fruit of His kingdom is the soil of a heart at rest.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”
John 14:27

 His peace is His presence. May we be strongly rooted as we faithfully head to the finish of another year together.