University Blog

Sorrow & Celebration Can Coexist

Posted by Amanda Nunneley on

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:19

Church Family,

As I was walking through the halls of the Day School listening to children laughing the other day, I was reminded of the ways that children have the ability to embrace and delight in the moment they are in. Now don’t get me wrong, they can get lost in a tantrum too, but they don’t stay in that place for too long. As I heard the laughter I peeked in to see the group of children fascinated by a new dramatic play area their teacher had prepared for them. It was beautiful. I found myself walking away and taking a deep breath in an effort to free my mind of the heaviness of this present time. The heaviness of what is happening in the world, our schools, with the denomination. I was reminded of the promise of the way in the wilderness and of steams in the wasteland.

Recently, I have sat in meetings focusing on security and the tragedies taking place in our nation’s schools, in schools similar to ours. I have shared the weight being carried by families and school administrators as we continue to think through what we could do differently, better. It is important work, but it all has a way of weaving its way in to consume me. I believe it’s a good thing to be mindful and purposeful in our actions, policies, and procedures, but when the mindfulness creeps into a place of burden, fear, and anxiety is where we lose sight of who and how God calls us to be.

Through meetings where the reality of what our children face is discussed, I work to center myself and my mind on God’s truth, His hope and promise that His goodness surrounds us even in the wilderness. I read recently that sorrow and celebration can coexist. If we have eyes to see, and maybe even better, ears to hear the laughter around us we are reminded of that goodness and the ways sorrow and celebration can be in tandem. I’m thankful to walk these halls on a daily basis and have the privilege of hearing the laughter that brings me back to this present moment and allows me to celebrate His goodness!

On Thursday, April 27, we are working to be more like the kids in the halls of the Day School and live in the moment by celebrating Fiesta - Day School style! You are invited to bring your children, neighbors and other children in the community to join us! Our annual Mini-Fiesta will include a train, games, face painting, food and music in the South Campus Parking Lot. Wristbands for activities and tickets for food items can be purchased at the event or prior to the event in the Day School Office. 

San Antonio’s Fiesta spirit is a small way for each of us to embrace our community, to live more like the children in the halls of the Day School and root ourselves in the goodness we can see and hear each day. So join us as we delight in the joys, share in His goodness and celebrate! We hope to see you on April 27!

Blessing, 
Amanda Nunneley

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