The mysterious strength which keeps us longing for the good

One of my earliest jobs in education was running a Christian Service program at Loyola Blakefield. In the program, we offered a rather unique experience where a father and his son spent an overnight at a men’s homeless shelter in Baltimore. The schedule for the evening included a Bible study group, followed by dinner (that the father and son helped prepare and serve to the residents), followed by some social time of games and conversation, and then ended with an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting with the residents. As a means in which to get a feel for the project, the first time we offered this service immersion experience, I accompanied one of my students. Experiencing this program with one of my high school students was eye opening to say the least. More to this point, the most impactful part of this immersion experience occurred when we attended the AA meeting with a number of the residents. Having never visited such a meeting prior to that night, I was struck by the depth of faith that filled the hearts of those men whose lives had been ravaged by alcohol and other drugs. And yet, regardless of the disappointments they had encountered, they chose to place their energies into doing good. As I reflect on that early January night over 20 years ago, I clearly recall the gentlemen discussing how their New Year’s resolution was to live one day at a time as they focused on God, goodness and their sobriety. Looking back on this immersion experience, our time at the homeless shelter revealed an awe-inspiring strength which was revealed in the hopeful outlook the gentlemen had towards their future.

Each January as the calendar turns to another year, we find ourselves committing to a New Year’s resolution. In keeping with this tradition, our students were asked what their resolution was for the coming year. To this point, I thought you might enjoy reading some of the “New Year’s Resolutions” from our young BEARS:

“To be calm, take a breath and enjoy the moment.”

Lily Adkins – 5th Grade

“To learn more about Jesus.”

Princeton Engram – Pre-K 3

“To spread God’s word.”

Elisabetta Kailie – 2nd Grade

“To share my crayons with friends.”

Luke Wilder – Pre-K 4

“To love, care for and protect the earth.”

Amelia Caquelin – 6th Grade

“To say I am sorry when I hurt someone’s feelings.”

Egypt Davis – Kindergarten

“To spread joy to others.”

Anya Bronson – 1st Grade

“To be kind to everyone I meet.”

Joey D’Ambrosio – 8th Grade

“To tell my teachers that they are the best. Because they are!”

Ava Anthony – 2nd Grade

Each day, my colleagues and I feel an awe-inspiring sense of gratitude for having the opportunity to help our young students see life through a lens of faith. A lens which allows them to use their hopeful optimism to see God in the goodness which surrounds them. And as believers, our Christian faith teaches us that hope is the mysterious strength which keeps us longing for the good. So if you are seeking a school which forms leaders who use their goodness to bring the Light of Christ to everyone they encounter, then look no further than St. Agnes.