Last week was our Spirit Week at school.  It was a last minute idea that came together really well, thanks to the teachers’ support and enthusiasm.  I put a lot of the responsibility on my tenth grade students, and they did a great job making posters and promoting the different events.  In my opinion the highlight of the week was the awarding of the “trash-to-treasure” trophy to the third and fourth grade class for having the best decorated room.  One little girl almost cried with excitement!  I don’t think you can get smiles bigger than theirs as they proudly carried their treasure back to class.

I think that this week was so successful because it was very laid back.  We didn’t go too overboard with our dress-up ideas, and we made it affordable for parents.  Also, we did not interrupt class time at all.  I am thrilled with how it all turned out but especially for the blessing of the other teachers’ support for my little endeavor.  It is risky to attempt something different or new for the entire school, and my ideas could have easily been criticized or put down.  I can’t tell you how encouraging it was to have the other teachers participate and be enthusiastic about the week.

The Lord has burdened me this year with the need for unity among the staff at school.  And, I praise Him for this proof of the joy that comes from a unified ministry.  I hope that our school is not unique in this; I hope that you are nodding your head in understanding of this type of God-honoring unity.  But if your school is struggling with disunity, then I encourage you to strive for it, pray for it, put your agenda aside for it.   You may regret your agenda, but you will not regret a Christ-centered unity in your ministry.  ”Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)