The first day of school was so refreshingly without incident that I almost missed it. Really it was a great time, starting back, seeing friends that were missed, and getting back into a rhythm. I was aware of this new status as I looked around Ean's playground that first morning. Ean was running around with his friends, wondering where some were. I saw so many new faces and they all had the same look on them. Was their son or daughter going to be OK?
I was so proud of Ean. When he got home, he let us know that he had made a new friend. His friend is Jay who, I found out later, was from Korea. Jay is about a foot taller than all the other kids and knows very little English. We refer to Ean's class as the class for everything other than Chinese, since the other 2nd grade class is for Chinese speaking students. When I talked with Jay's mom the next day, she was so happy that Jay made a friend in Ean. She was so thankful that Ean had gone out of his way to make her son's first day so fun. I was, of course very proud.
The first day of school is much like moving to a city or trying a church for the first time. You move or arrive and wonder, "Will you fit in? Will you make a friend?" It is amazing the difference that one friendly face will make. Jay is now happily established in his new school because one person pulled themselves away from his regular friends to make a new friend. We have the same opportunity every Sunday. I know we come to church to see our good friends, but have you also noticed the others standing around, who you do not know. They are with us to make a friend and that friend could be you.
I am excited for this fall. I know that we will have many visitors coming through. I am praying that many of them choose to make GGCC their home. Please continue to pray for our church as we continue to grow into the community that God wants it to be.
Peace
Edwin
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