Dear Parents,

Every week, we have the opportunity to meet as a school for chapel and I had the privilege of leading it this morning. Our theme was being Independent vs Dependent, both in life generally, but also in our relationship with God.

We started by looking at the definition of “independent”, which includes the following: Free from outside control; not subject to another’s authority; Not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence; Capable of thinking or acting for oneself; Not depending on something else for strength or effectiveness. This led us to consider the following questions: We often associate the idea of independence as a good thing. Can you give examples of when this is a positive thing? When we think of our relationship with God, is independence good or bad? In what ways are you dependent on God in your daily life? Our students came up with some excellent answers. They thought that being independent when it comes to eating on our own, reading a book, going to the bathroom, and doing work ourselves were all good things.

They also considered that in our relationship with God, it can be good to be independent of others in order to have private time with God; however, it was not good if it meant that we are trying to do things in our strength, or if we forget about God, whether in good times or bad.

They also concluded that we need God’s daily help to take care of our needs like food, water, our homes, and in our work. 

From there, we looked at a few passages of scripture that served as a reminder that we absolutely need God in every part of our lives. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” It is a powerful reminder that apart from Him, we can do absolutely “nothing”. Instead, we are instructed to abide or remain in Jesus, so that He can produce wonderful things in our lives and we can bear fruit.

It is so important to remember that we have a God who is faithful….He has our backs. What He asks of us is to trust Him; to remember He knows what is best for us, and to give the control over to Him. We need Him every moment of every day. Without Him, all we do will add up to nothing; but with Him, all we do will create something beautiful.  

I hope this is a good reminder for you as well, and I encourage you to continue the conversation at home with your children. Have a blessed week!

Sincerely,
J-D Lussier, Principal