Cultivating a Spirit of Generosity

By Samantha DePriest

The month of November is often a time when families reflect on the power of gratitude and how it shapes hearts, minds, and homes. It is a season when many slow down and make time to focus on being thankful for life’s many blessings, one of the most impactful spiritual disciplines. Choosing to see God’s goodness and grace all around can influence not only hearts but also the legacy left behind. When students learn to focus on their blessings instead of their burdens at an early age, they experience a deeper sense of peace and contentment. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude also strengthens relationships and fosters compassion and forgiveness toward one another. Scripture reminds us,

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

Mr. Ryan Tipton preaching during High School Chapel
Image by Samantha DePriest

Mr. Ryan Tipton, Head of the Bible Department, concluded the series, “How Do I Connect with Jesus? What Is a Spiritual Discipline?” the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Mr. Tipton impressed upon our students the necessity of making time for Christian meditation because one’s inner dialogue shapes one’s life. He encouraged students not to allow themselves to be “unchecked and unchallenged” when it comes to the meditations of their hearts, and he urged them to fill their minds with Scripture so “the word of Christ” may dwell richly within them, as the Bible says in Colossians 3:16.

He went on to share that “the human brain processes 60,000 thoughts each day. As Christians, we should meditate on 1) God’s works, 2) God’s love, and 3) God’s law.” He closed with encouragement, “Through memorizing Scripture, daily reflection and journaling of prayers, both answered and unanswered, listening to praise and worship music, and preaching the gospel to themselves, believers intentionally seek God’s presence.” Families often share how thankful that are to know their students are receiving sound wisdom directly from scripture each week in chapel and each day through the biblical integration of our curriculum..

High School Praise and Worship team
Image by Samantha DePriest

What a blessing each week our students have to engage in a time of praise and worship during weekly chapels. The high school student-led praise and worship team offers many benefits to our school community. It encourages high school students to take ownership of their faith before they graduate and step out into the world. It helps them develop confidence and boldness in expressing their beliefs. It builds a stronger sense of unity and community within our school. Creating an atmosphere of engagement and heartfelt praise that enriches the entire school is the hope each week.

In a recent Middle School chapel, the students were blessed to hear from the daughter-in-law of middle school English teacher Mrs. Gibby. Mrs. Rosa spoke about the impact Operation Christmas Child had on her life. She grew up in Nicaragua and received not one, but two Operation Christmas Child boxes during her childhood. She shared with the students how meaningful those gifts were to her and how they opened her heart to the love of Christ at a young age. Her story reminded us that even a simple act of love can profoundly impact someone’s life in a mighty way.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

The Lower and Upper Elementary and Middle Schools partnered once again with Operation Christmas Child this month to help cultivate a spirit of generosity. Hundreds of shoeboxes were packed, collected and prayed over during chapel the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Students proudly carried them and helped load them onto the trailer to be sent off to children around the world. May the Lord do a special work to impact lives through all of these special gifts from our school community.

PreK3 Thanksgiving Celebration
Image by Samantha DePriest

And from our biggest Lions all the way to our littlest Lions, the focus on gratitude this month was evident across all grades and all campuses. Our early learners celebrated Thanksgiving by reciting prayers and singing songs, enjoying a Thanksgiving treat, and spending time in fellowship with their classmates and families.

From family and friendships to learning and laughing, there is so much to be thankful for at TCS.