by Adam Kronberger / Head of School

I have many memories of my dad taking me along with him for trips to the local garbage dump or making me assist him in changing the oil in all of our household vehicles. My mother and I would read books together for hours at a time, and I spent a year in her 2nd-grade class as her special student. A large portion of my parents’ influence on my development occurred during circumstances that placed us in a sustained and captive presence with one another. God himself is the author of this discipleship process inherent to parenting. Regarding His truths, God directed the nation of Israel to “talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deut. 6:7).
One of the hidden benefits of the last 6 months is time. With less opportunity for activity outside the home, most family units have been unable to escape each other’s presence. Many of us are spending more time at home together “sitting” and “lying down.” While I rarely see families “walking along the road”, we are once again spending plenty of time together in our cars getting to and from school. These times should be full of learning new things and enjoying God’s creation. I myself still occasionally take a trip to the dump and always change my own oil (with my son), and enjoy a good Louis L’Amour book now and then. 

But of even greater value were my observations of my parents during those consistent moments together. I learned about kindness, respect, and integrity, both through watching my parents interact with others and through deliberate small teaching moments. I had a front-row seat to mistakes and their fallen nature, but also acts of humility, honesty, and forgiveness. Their influence not only impacted my siblings and I, but also our friends who tagged along.

As you drive your children (and their friends) to and from school, consider how to be deliberate in applying the truths of God through your actions and words. Consider how to maximize any margin in your schedules by keeping your children by your side and being present in their activities in the home. Thank you for trusting us to do the same while your children are on our campus.