Ten on Tuesday - Covenant

Ten Reasons Why I love Covenant Academy:

1. the Covenant Declaration "We go to Covenant Academy, a Kingdom school. We exalt the name of Jesus and recognize His presence here. We believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit...God calls me to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ to listen and obey, to listen and obey the first time. Not the second time or the third time, but the first time. To use words of kindness, to respect God's creation and all authority...I will display a crown of beauty instead of ashes, an oil of gladness instead of mourning, a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. We will be called oaks of righteousness a planting of the Lord for the display of His Splendor." There is more to it, and Covenant students memorize it and recite it several mornings a week beginning in the first grade all the way throught middle school as the way to start their day. What a declaration for them to hide in their hearts! Amazing.

2. When a teacher or other adult enters a classroom, my 11th graders stop what they're doing and stand up in respect of their elders. I've never asked them to or told them to; they just do.

3. When I ask my 11th graders to stand in honor of the Word of God and read some Scripture together, they thank me for it. They ask me to pray for them, and let me know they pray for me.
4. The teachers. Mrs. Callahan, Mrs. Howd, Mrs. Gottlieb, Mrs. Foxworth and Mrs. Bush, specifically, not to mention a slew of others we have yet to experience. They start every morning with a devotion from the Grammar school principal and prayer.

5. Their commitment to the Word of God. My 4K child has already memorized 10 verses this year, and quotes them when he is facing a situation that calls for a word from God. Example- the other day Asher was struggling with putting together a puzzle. He looked at me and said, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13." Wow. My 2nd grader and 4th grader come home with questions about Scripture that I never would have thought of at their age.

6. The innocence. My children are so sheltered and protected there. My 11th graders have a great time and enjoy life, but I love their innocence compared to the 11th graders I have taught in the past.

7. My 11th graders are thinkers, processors. Covenant has taught them to be deep thinkers. For example, today, when we were studying Dante's Inferno and the particular circle of Hell we were discussing had to do with those who were corrupt within the church. Dante was very critical of the church of his day (1200-1300 AD). One of my students asked if I thought Dante would get along with Martin Luther, or would he think Luther was a heretic and blasphemer? How many 11th graders do you know that would ask that question?

8. There are no locks on the lockers. Anywhere. No need. Amazing.

9. The curriculum. They have Bible class every day, and pray with their teachers every day. History is taught from the Biblical perspective. The students begin learning Latin in the 4th grade. The classical approach makes so much sense to me as an educator and as a mom.

10. Reformation Day Celebration. Kids look forward to it every year. We have always struggled with the whole "Halloween thing" and have avoided it as a family; Covenant has given us a celebration of Reformation Day, to be for something rather than against something else.

Is Covenant Academy perfect? No.
Am I blind to the struggles we're having? No.
But, I do think sometimes when we're caught up in the midst of difficult times, we need to remind ourselves of the blessings we do have.
At least I do.
When our family goes through difficult times, we sit down together and remind ourselves of all the ways God has blessed us, then things don't seem so insurmountable anymore.
I forget how blessed I am to be a Covenant mom and teacher, sometimes, so I reminded myself.
Thought maybe some others might need to be reminded too.
Let's be on our knees in gratitude and intercession for our school.