The Harvest

​​by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal

Each morning, around 7:10 a.m. a particular student cheerfully and confidently bounces into my office to bestow upon me a joy-filled hug. I cherish this daily gift because it hasn’t always been this way. Over the past 5 years, there were occasions this student bounded into my office, handed me a sealed note from a teacher, arms protectively crossed, giving ME the “stink eye”. Other times I was summoned to the scene of a major meltdown to pick up the pieces of this tearful, discouraged, and frustrated child.    

As I reflected on and praised God for this student’s new season of happiness and achievement, I realized that these hugs are a sign of the harvest.  We are blessed to have invested years of loving discipleship, one teacher after another, faithfully planting the word of God in this student’s life.  Earnest prayer and loving-kindness nurtured this sprouting spirit.  Strategic planning and encouragement cultivated a successful path to academic growth.  

I believe a harvest can come in small and unexpected ways.  We will certainly miss out unless we learn how to recognize them and according to God’s promises, expect them.  This year I have observed an amazing peace in our classrooms, that’s a harvest.  Our high school boys soccer team won the championship, that’s a harvest for sure!  Every example of our children growing in character and Christ-likeness is part of the harvest.  Is your child finally turning in their homework on time? That’s definitely a harvest to be celebrated.   

Also to be celebrated is the harvest of a strong partnership between families, church and school. These relationships create the unique bond of a promise described in Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Together we have weathered each growing season and have shared in reaping the blessings of discipleship.  Nevertheless, before we get too excited about ourselves, Paul reminds us that “It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers.” 1 Corinthians 3:7-9 (NLT).  

As a co-laborer, I am so grateful to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of Crosshill students, and for each new season, with new opportunities to disciple. 
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– Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal