Crosshill Christian School
  • Home
  • Prospective Families
    • Online Campus Tour
    • School Mission
    • Academics
    • Student Services
    • Mission Trips
    • Retreats
    • Athletics
    • Summer Camps
    • Head of School Blog
  • Admissions
    • Welcome
    • Admissions Inquiry
    • Online Application
    • Financial Information
    • Continuous Enrollment
  • Resources
    • Store
    • Giving/Missions
    • Daily Schedules
    • Pick-up & Drop-off
    • FACTS Family Portal
    • Supply Lists
    • College Prep
  • Staff
    • Leadership / Admin
    • Teachers
    • Employment
  • Calendars
    • Year At A Glance
    • Athletics
    • Hot Lunch
  • Events
    • Ticketing
  • Contact

Messages of Encouragement

A Season for Everything

10/26/2018

 
​​by Adam Kronberger / Head of School

Just about everyone has a favorite season of the year. For those who prefer autumn above all others, there was much concern that we might miss out with that season altogether this year. But finally it has arrived. As the days become shorter, the leaves turn colors, and the thermometer begins to drop, I am reminded of  Ecclesiastes 3:

“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die...
a time to plant and a time to uproot...
a time to weep and a time to laugh...
a time to mourn and a time to dance...”


The majority of the seasons in our lives are intended to experience in community. The glorious act of creation described in the book of Genesis was completed in community by the triune God (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). He created us to not only commune with Him, but to have community with one another. We are often drawn to one another for the benefit of a common purpose, or especially for a reason to celebrate.

It is equally if not more important to support one another in times of sadness. This past week at a varsity soccer match in the Portland area, a member of our community suddenly passed away. The father of CCS Board Member Brian Spaulding transitioned from celebrating a goal scored by his grandson to an eternal celebration with the King of Kings. We are comforted by Larry’s presence in the heavenly places, but mourn the absence of his human presence among those loved by him.

In God’s perfect providence, Larry’s passing only accentuated his legacy of humble support for community. Players from both teams quickly transitioned from opponents to united brothers in Christ. Parents from both schools selflessly provided support where needed. From the field to the parking lot to the playground, sons and daughters of our Glorious King expressed and experienced His love as a piece of our reality briefly intersected with the eternal.  

Throughout the week, CCS students and teachers have often gathered to pray for the Spaulding family and their 3 high school children. As we each consider the sorrow connected to losing a loved one, we also reconsider the love we have for those we are blessed to see each and every day. The perfect life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ overcame spiritual death providing eternal life with HIm. Until we join Larry once again in everlasting joy, may we each embrace each season God brings our way. A few months ago I was given a generous gift card to one of my favorite restaurants where I always order a “Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl.” I quickly scheduled a couple of long overdue lunch appointments at a nearby location (my treat!) As I walked up to pay after my first lunch meeting, I was made aware that my gift card was not valid at that particular chain location. My hospitality of paying for the entire check just got REAL. I was required to exercise true unselfishness as I handed over cold hard cash in an unexpected way. My half-hearted sacrifice continued a 2 days later at  my next lunch meeting already scheduled at that same location (my treat).

A few weeks later, I strategically planned some family errands to Keizer Station around a rare family dinner eating out (my treat!). As I proudly approached the cash register to experience the blessing of that same gift card, I was informed that my gift card was not valid at that location either. The expression on my face was a mixture of surprise, denial, and disgust. A moment of true humility came a second later as my wife gently directed my attention to the clear address on the gift card of the one location it was valid for. I was clearly to blame for not properly exercising the gift card, as the instructions had always been in plain sight. 

Over a billion dollars worth of gift cards go unused each year. While that makes me feel a little better, I doubt that statistic makes the giver of those gift cards feel any better.  In James 1:17, we read, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Everything that is good in our lives comes directly from God, the source of all good gifts. How many of those gifts have we failed to exercise rightly because we don’t read the instructions? God’s word is full of guidance in how to daily enjoy and serve others with the many gifts He has given us.

Recently, with great pomp and circumstance, I enjoyed a “Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl” with my wife making full use of the gift card that had generously been given to me. This lesson has helped me to consider other gifts that I might find in my wallet, daily schedule, or constant decisions that need a little more attention to detail. May each of us not contribute to leaving “billions” of God’s gifts unused properly.
​
– Adam Kronberger / Head of School

Comments are closed.
    Picture

    Adam Kronberger
    Head of School

    Archives

    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015

    RSS Feed

SUPPORT

Giving

NETWORK

Facebook
​​YouTube

QUICK LINKS

Contact
FACTS Family Portal Login

FACTS Payment Plans
Picture
Picture
  • Home
  • Prospective Families
    • Online Campus Tour
    • School Mission
    • Academics
    • Student Services
    • Mission Trips
    • Retreats
    • Athletics
    • Summer Camps
    • Head of School Blog
  • Admissions
    • Welcome
    • Admissions Inquiry
    • Online Application
    • Financial Information
    • Continuous Enrollment
  • Resources
    • Store
    • Giving/Missions
    • Daily Schedules
    • Pick-up & Drop-off
    • FACTS Family Portal
    • Supply Lists
    • College Prep
  • Staff
    • Leadership / Admin
    • Teachers
    • Employment
  • Calendars
    • Year At A Glance
    • Athletics
    • Hot Lunch
  • Events
    • Ticketing
  • Contact