Middle School Focus MAY PAW PRINT Anne K. Purdy
Elementary Principal
What have they learned?
When I have the privilege of interviewing prospective teaching candidates, one of the questions I love to hear answered is “What have you learned about God that you would want to be certain to share with students you teach?” As I listen to the answer to this question it is often the point at which I am able to see into the heart of who the person is and begin to discern whether or not they are the right fit for our mission here at the Academy. Children seem to know intuitively when a truth is coming from the depth of our hearts not just the curriculum guide, and I want to know what will be “caught” learning from the people we are as well as what is intentionally taught.
As we seek to faithfully impart these truths to your children, it is equally a privilege to learn the truths they already know from the families and special friends God has placed in their lives. I recently asked your children to share what truths they’ve heard again and again from parents or grandparents. I thought it might bless you to hear what legacy you’ve already imparted (I won’t share names—you will probably know if it was learned at your house!):
“He will never let you down. My dad taught me that.”
“Something my mom gave me was knowledge of His gentleness and patience.”
“My dad told me about how when you ask Jesus into your heart you can go to heaven. So that night me and my dad prayed and I asked Jesus into my heart.”
“I remember my great grandmother saying ‘God loves you; He always will!’”
“I’ve learned that God is someone you want to be around because my mom has a quiet God-time every morning. Also, He has lots of life lessons in the Bible because my dad makes me look them up a lot.”
“My mom is teaching me the Lord’s Prayer which helps me learn about God.
She really helps me.”
“My mom went through a hard time in her childhood and young adulthood. Once she let God in her life everything changed for her. Now she is a great mom!”
“I know God is lovely because my mom and dad taught me that He forgives sins.”
“I have learned that God is always caring for the earth, trying to make it beautiful. I learned this from my grandparents while I was helping them plant flowers and bushes in their back yard.”
“My grandmother was the first one who told me that Jesus was going to use me for His glory.”
Thank you for telling this generation about His praiseworthy deeds!
