Unexpected teacher
I was going through some boxes of childhood memories recently when I came across a presidential award that I had earned for “Educational Improvement” signed by Bill Clinton in the year 2000. The award also came with a small pin displaying the presidential seal with the words “President’s Award For Educational Improvement”. I took the pin and immediately put it on my shoulder bag because it reminds me of who I am.
I rarely get awards for being the best at something, but I have always tried to improve. I love to learn and grow and push myself even when things are hard.
Kirsten’s President’s Education Awards Program Certificate and Outstanding Educational Improvement pin
One of the values we hold at Hillspring is that “we are committed to growing in our relationship with God and becoming more like Jesus.” That is good news for someone like me, because growth has always been part of my story. I’m still learning!
Just this week I learned something new from an unexpected teacher, our son’s bearded dragon. When she’s about to shed her skin, she wants to be left alone. I tried to coax her out of her hide, but she wasn’t having it. Eventually she came out on her own and left a flaky piece of skin behind.
Before she sheds her coloring becomes dim and gray until it falls off revealing her vibrant red and orange coloring. She doesn’t shed off her old skin just once but, every few weeks and she will continue to do it for the rest of her life. Watching that reminded me of what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Colossae: “Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” (Colossians 3:10)
Paul wrote these words to people who were learning how to follow Jesus in the middle of everyday life. They were discovering that when Jesus is Lord, who we are slowly begins to change.
In Colossians, Paul describes this change as taking off an old way of living and putting on a new one. It’s not a one-time moment of spiritual achievement. It’s a lifelong process of renewal as we learn to know God and become more like Jesus.
In other words, we keep shedding what no longer fits the new life Jesus has given us.
That’s why growth matters so much in our life together at Hillspring. Following Jesus means learning over time to live the kind of life God intends. As we connect with the people God has placed in our lives and develop meaningful relationships, the Holy Spirit continues that quiet work of renewal in us.
I’m still learning, still growing and still discovering that there is always more of God’s life to step into.
Kirsten Brault
Director of Children’s Ministries