PISD INSPIRE SY2021-2022 (PARENTS & STUDENTS)
The car turns to the side of the road, tires dragging. The dad hurries out to get the spare tire in the back, hoping that it wouldn’t take too long. He feels the eyes of his children and wife watching his every move. He looks up to see his princess smiling at him. She wears her tiara that matches her ballerina costume for the recital.
“Just need a little more pressure,” he whispers under his breath. When the new tire pops in, he breathes a sigh of relief. He leaves the old tire in the trunk, walks back into the driver’s seat, and smiles at his family. “Let’s go!”
Parents. How often do you find yourselves putting on a smile for your family when deep down you know the smile is worn out and tired? How often do you try to hurry, wanting to make your children happy? How often do you walk that extra mile for your family?
This is not a letter to say that your hidden pain, secret tears, and silent cries will magically go away. Rather, this is a reminder that the pressure you feel, the pressure you endure, for your family and for the Lord, will not be wasted. Just as the dad had to put on a smile and make sure his family got to where they needed to be, you have a responsibility and pressure as a parent and guardian. But just like the story, finding the joy and excitement of seeing your family grow and your children excel should give you the fuel to keep going.
Students. How often do you put on a smile to please your parents when deep down you’re struggling? How often do you crack a joke to make your teachers and classmates laugh when deep down you don’t understand why life has to be this way? How often do you find it hard to meet expectations put up by parents, families, and society?
If you’re reading this far into this week’s encouragement, I just want to say that life isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing bad. Sometimes it’s actually when you’re doing good and planting seeds when life will throw some dirt at you. But just remember that when you feel covered in dirt, that’s the best time for the seeds to set roots and grow. Pressure isn’t so bad. It’ll expose your strength and your need for help. It’ll expose your real intentions and your room for improvement. And above all, it’ll show how you need Someone greater than you.
Tires become stronger when more pressure is applied. Seeds grow better when buried in good soil. As my dad reminds me, “when there’s more pressure, it’s my pleasure.” The more pressuring life is, the more room to grow in faith and strength. And you will thrive when you find the pleasure in pressure. Let us thrive through these pressuring times, together.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV)
Blessings!
PRECIOUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DAVAO