WALKING WITH OTHERS

I just spent the last week walking around DC, Gettysburg and New York City with a hundred other parents and 8th grade students. We packed a lot of touring and learning into eight days, and I was amazed at how smoothly everything went and how well everyone got along. The SVCS staff and students are truly outstanding, and I came away from the trip grateful for the school we have chosen for our family.

I also came away more grateful for our country and the way it was designed to bring diverse people and their opinions together as “United” States. The ideals of liberty and justice for all, representative government, the balance of powers, and the freedom to disagree and to choose our own path — these are the centered-set “watering hole” essentials that bring together diverse people from all over the world to the greatest nation on earth.

Those same values are what make it so difficult. They are why we have fought amongst ourselves in congress, in the courts, in elections, and even in civil war. We don’t all see eye to eye. Others are . . . “other”. We bring our different backgrounds, culture and points of view with us. It’s true of our nation. It’s true in our families. It’s true in the church.

The things that we hold in common must be stronger than the differences we have or we will not be able to walk together for long. We must continually remind ourselves and each other of those common values and goals. It’s true for a family. It’s true for a school. It’s true for a nation. It’s true for a growing church.

Sunday I will be back at MVC sharing the vision God has given me for our life walking together as a church family. I hope you will join me!