Dear Parents,

Have you noticed the extra nip in the air, the vibrant colours on the leaves, and the return of pumpkin everything to chain restaurants everywhere? It can only mean one thing… Thanksgiving is upon us again! While turkey dinners and family gatherings are wonderful, we were reminded this morning of the importance of “Giving Thanks” during our chapel.

During this time, our grade 6 students each took a turn to share one of their favorite passages about offering our gratitude to the Lord for all that He has done for us. They highlighted the fact that we are to give thanks for Everything at All Times. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul puts it this way “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” 

I’m not sure if you caught the middle of that verse, but our students did. We repeated this verse a few times to let it sink in. We are directed to thank God regardless of whether something good or bad is going on. That means that even in the middle of a pandemic, we are to thank God for His blessings. It also means that even when I’m having a bad day, I’m supposed to exhibit joy and thank God for what He is doing in my life. That’s tough….

So how do we go about doing this as a follower of Jesus? We are to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in the garden of our hearts. We do this by praying and asking God to shift our focus on Him. We dwell on His love for us and what He is doing in our lives, rather than the obstacles we face. While this is easier said than done, it will help us to live out “Thanksgiving” each and every day.

As we celebrate with our families and friends this weekend, let us pay attention to all the many ways God has blessed us and thank Him for his mercy and grace that continually sustain us.

Sincerely,
J-D Lussier, Principal