It was February 25th, 2020. I sent an email to the faculty and staff at MLHS with the 2020-2021 school year theme, “Joy in the Journey”. We typically pick this theme around that time of the year in order to start branding and putting the logo on all the registration paperwork for the upcoming year.

Three weeks and one day later, we would be on a journey that we never saw coming. Our schools were shuttered for the year and everyone was learning at home. Teachers were learning how to teach online, and students were learning how to learn online. We had up’s and we had down’s. We had curveballs thrown at us every other day that we had to figure out. Communication between parents, teachers, and students was at a premium even when you didn’t always know what to communicate other than, “HELP!”

But, the Titan Nation rose to the occasion. The 2019-2020 journey ended with a car parade for the Class of 2020 that brought tears to the eyes of so many that day. It was a time to celebrate and thank our God for getting us all through. And then the journey began to reopen schools safely and wisely.

At the writing of this, the planning continues. It’s been a long road and we know there are still twists and turns on the journey to August 24th, the day we welcome the new freshmen on campus. But that theme. What a theme! We could have changed the theme, but why? It is so appropriate for Christians to be reminded by the passage that guides that theme, especially now. “Rejoice in the Lord, always! I will say it again. REJOICE!“

What a wonderful opportunity that we have to share with our students and parents this important attitude of followers of Christ, to rejoice always. In tough times and in easy times, we can rejoice. We can rejoice, because no matter what, God’s promises stand firm in our lives. He promises that he will never leave nor forsake us. He promises that he is preparing a place for us in Heaven. He promises to provide and to protect. He promises that all things will work for our eternal good. And he promises that if this virus or another decides to take me from this world of tears, he will be there to welcome me into his Heaven because of the work of Jesus. Do you see why this theme is so very important right now? REJOICE, always! Okay, I’ll say it again, REJOICE!

Mr. Herbst – Principal Michigan Lutheran High School