Dear Parents,

I came across a great article recently entitled, “The Risk in Things that We Don’t Do,” written by George Couros. It was a great reminder that taking risks is an essential part of our lives. Whenever we want to start something new, there will always be a risk involved; however, there is also much at stake by remaining in the status quo. Erica Jong puts it this way, “If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.”

Why do we not take risks? Often it is fear or apathy that prevent us from moving forward and doing something we consider a “risk”. While there can be good reasons for some fears or caution towards things that are truly dangerous for us, more often than not, these things hold us back from better things. Michelle Poler, who wrote a book and founded an organization called, “Hello Fears”, speaks about the importance of showing vulnerability and facing our fears. She has flipped around the phrase “What’s the worst that could happen?” to the phrase “What’s the best that could happen?”

Having recently begun a New Year, we spoke about New Year’s Resolutions this morning and about God’s blessings and favour over our lives. God desires for us to have a bright future that is filled with good things. He does not promise that it will be easy though and even calls us to take risks, as we pray and step out in faith. This is particularly true of Abraham.

In Genesis 12, Abram is asked by the Lord to leave his country and go to a new land that will be filled with the Lord’s blessing. This land is not familiar to Abram and has many unknowns. In order to get there, Abram has to leave his comfort zone and face many risks to get to the place of God’s blessing. As we read the story though, Abram holds on to a promise and through his obedience is transformed into Abraham, the father of nations and a blessing to a thousand generations.

It’s also interesting to note that in Genesis 11, Abraham’s father Terah had received a similar call to go to Canaan. While he left his country Ur, he stopped in Haran and grew comfortable, thus never making it to where he was called to go.

In conclusion, I would like to challenge us to think about what risks God is calling us to take this upcoming year and to push past fear or comforts that are preventing us from receiving God’s best for us. Consider George Couros definition of risk, “Moving from a comfortable ‘average’ in pursuit of an unknown better.” Let’s not settle for anything less than God’s best for us both individually and collectively.

Sincerely,
J-D Lussier, Principal