Principal's Ponderings

Have you ever walked through a whole day and wondered if anyone truly saw you, not just with their eyes, but with their heart? So many people, young and old, go about their days quietly asking, “Do I matter? Do I make a difference? Does anyone really see me?” Over the holidays I pondered this thought, for our students and our community members.

Here is the beautiful truth: Jesus sees you. And He calls us to see each other, too.  In Luke 19, Jesus is passing through Jericho when He notices a man most people overlook and actually try to avoid, Zacchaeus, hiding up in a tree. With crowds pressing around, Jesus stops, looks up and says, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” - Luke 19:5 

Not only does He see Zacchaeus, but He values him. That one moment changed Zacchaeus’ life forever.

In a world that rushes, scrolls and multitasks, it is easy to miss the holy ministry of being present. Of noticing. Of encouraging.

Here is a gentle challenge for each of us this week; students, team, parents, all of us together, be someone who truly sees others. Slow down long enough to say:

“I see how hard you are trying.”

“You make a difference here.”

“I’m glad you are part of our school community.”

“You are doing better than you think.”

"You matter!"

Encouragement is one of the simplest ways to reflect Christ’s love. As the writer of Hebrews says, “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today.’” - Hebrews 3:13.  And as Mother Teresa reminded us, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”

Imagine the transformation in a school, a home, a community, where people feel seen, valued and loved. Where children know they matter not just for what they achieve, but for who they are. That’s the kind of place Jesus would walk into and smile.

This week, let’s notice each other. Let’s be present. Let’s speak golden words of encouragement. Let’s reflect the love of the One who sees us fully and loves us endlessly.

Shalom,

Chad Smit