Dear Parents,

One of the things that fascinates me about the English language is how the same word can have several definitions, but each meaning can add a rich layer and perspective to our understanding. A few weeks back, we started talking about the word integrity and how we are called to do the right thing even when no one else is watching. Another definition of integrity though, it centered around the idea of being whole, consistent, or complete. 

This interpretation of integrity stretches us in a completely different way, especially when we think of it through the lens of how we are built as humans in terms of mind, body, and soul. For our body to function optimally as God created it, all 3 facets come together to be one and are best when they are whole. We also know that our hearts and minds are intricately intertwined. When one is broken, the other part is soon to follow. When our mind is anxious or distracted, so is our heart. In the place where there was wholeness, it became divided. Where there was consistency, we became unpredictable. Where there was completeness, we became scattered. Sometimes these are as a result of our actions and decisions, other times they are trials sent our way, and still yet they are part of living in a fallen world.

The good news is that God cares very much about our well-being and longs for our minds and hearts to be mended. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul writes: “May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together – spirit, soul, and body – and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ.”  As always, God offers us hope and a plan to get us on the right track. We also know that he uses others to speak into our lives and give us tools to make us stronger, which is where community and professionals can play a role in helping us get back to a place of wholeness. 

To conclude, here is a prayer from Psalm 86:11 that I have found to be particularly powerful to bring hope and invitation for God to do a work: “Train me, God, to walk straight; then I’ll follow your true path. Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I’ll worship in joyful fear.”

Blessings,

J-D Lussier, Principal