BEHIND THE SCENES
Dr. Charles Barrett
Children almost always eagerly anticipate the closing of the school year. For some, school days in May and June are merely inconvenient annoyances to blissful summer days and endless summer nights. But while vacations are necessary for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation, a lot happens during the break from books, bells, assignments, and assessments.
In working for a public school system, I’ve learned that there is constant preparation from the moment one school year ends and another begins. Physically, classrooms are cleaned as old, dilapidated furniture is removed, only to be replaced with new desks, new chairs, and shampooed rugs. Walls receive fresh coats of paint and floors are waxed to perfection. While some staff members are informed that they will no longer enjoy the benefits of employment, others are reassigned to better use their skills. For teachers and administrators, there are numerous professional development opportunities to learn effective strategies and other cutting edge advancements to better serve their students. These things, however, are happening unbeknownst to the boys and girls who will reap the benefits of such careful planning and intentional preparation. When students enter spotless buildings and experience curriculum adjustments, new initiatives, programs, and even people who will work patiently with them, they have no idea that an entire system, like a well-oiled machine, has been working behind the scenes for their good.
Friends, as school systems are working behind the scenes for their students, God is also working behind the scenes for us. Although we may not see it, he is shifting people and situations—all for our good (Romans 8: 28). Because we live by faith rather than what we can discern with our natural senses (2 Corinthians 5: 7), even when it feels like God is not there, always remember that he’s an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46: 1)—one who works behind the scenes for you and me.
"Follow Charles Barrett on Twitter @CAB5397 and on Instagram @CABPublishingCompany."
Dr. Charles Barrett
Children almost always eagerly anticipate the closing of the school year. For some, school days in May and June are merely inconvenient annoyances to blissful summer days and endless summer nights. But while vacations are necessary for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation, a lot happens during the break from books, bells, assignments, and assessments.
In working for a public school system, I’ve learned that there is constant preparation from the moment one school year ends and another begins. Physically, classrooms are cleaned as old, dilapidated furniture is removed, only to be replaced with new desks, new chairs, and shampooed rugs. Walls receive fresh coats of paint and floors are waxed to perfection. While some staff members are informed that they will no longer enjoy the benefits of employment, others are reassigned to better use their skills. For teachers and administrators, there are numerous professional development opportunities to learn effective strategies and other cutting edge advancements to better serve their students. These things, however, are happening unbeknownst to the boys and girls who will reap the benefits of such careful planning and intentional preparation. When students enter spotless buildings and experience curriculum adjustments, new initiatives, programs, and even people who will work patiently with them, they have no idea that an entire system, like a well-oiled machine, has been working behind the scenes for their good.
Friends, as school systems are working behind the scenes for their students, God is also working behind the scenes for us. Although we may not see it, he is shifting people and situations—all for our good (Romans 8: 28). Because we live by faith rather than what we can discern with our natural senses (2 Corinthians 5: 7), even when it feels like God is not there, always remember that he’s an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46: 1)—one who works behind the scenes for you and me.
"Follow Charles Barrett on Twitter @CAB5397 and on Instagram @CABPublishingCompany."