So many questions…So much still up in the air… A Virus…. Distancing…. Cleaning…. Masks… Learning… New School… Haven’t been to school in five months… and everyone can add their own questions and concerns about a new school year to this list.

I have mine too as the principal of a school. I find myself planning and then re-planning. Is this the best idea to go in-person? How can I ensure the safety of the students and staff? Who do I listen to for the facts about what is happening with COVID-19? How do I help my teachers teach both online and in-person? How do I find time in my day to do everything I need to at school and make sure I find time for my family?

I feel like every day is Christmas morning and I anticipate a surprise gift…and usually I open this new surprise and it’s not the gift I was asking for! Throughout all of these surprise moments over the past five months, I have tried to do a couple of things to relieve anxiety, and I offer them to you…

  • Pray and Trust – I have prayed many prayers over this time, and my good God has not always answered the way I wanted. And that’s OK! Do you know why? Because he is much smarter than I am, and he has all his children’s Heavenly goal in mind. I’ve begun using Solomon’s prayer as well – I Kings 3:9 “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge these great people of Yours?” Ask your Lord for wisdom!
  • Don’t get caught up in complaining conversations. I’ve walked away from many conversations that are only filled with grumbling and complaining about what is going on in the world. It really has helped to remove myself from those conversations! Consider these words from Philippians 2:13-15: for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky!
  • Be Still! I’ve found the best moments I’ve had is when I sit back and am able to be still. I’ve found the greatest amount of peace and ability to just be still on Sunday mornings at my church. Attending church and allowing the Lord to speak to me through my pastors, singing comforting hymns, and seeing my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ has given me the greatest peace throughout this entire time. I’d encourage you read Psalm 46. The Lord Almighty is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress!!

I offer these to you not because I have it all figured out. Speak to my wife, and she’ll let you know that I often have my moments of anxiety about these upcoming days when we return. But, we do also have great resources available to students who need to speak with a professional about the anxiety they are experiencing. Finally, we will share with our students every day that same comforting Word that brings my blood pressure down and brings me peace.

I ask for your prayers not just for me, but for all who are putting the finishing touches on this school to be prepared for our FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL TOGETHER IN FIVE MONTHS!! Our students and families have been in our prayers, and we truly look forward to another year where our Lord allows this little piece of His Kingdom to grow closer to him everyday at a place called school.

God’s Blessings to my ML family,

Mr. Herbst