As we approach the end of another school year we ask what it is that we hope students will have learned at BJA. I believe Mr. Josh George, a high school science teacher, captured the answer to this question in his recent letter to this year’s seniors published in the senior Triangle. With his permission I share it with you.
Dear Seniors,
As I sit down to write this letter, it is an enjoyable experience for me to think back to some of the memories we have shared. Some events are enjoyable to remember because they were, well…enjoyable—things like spirit weeks, class dress-up days, and UpRoar. Some things bring a smile to our faces because of their uniqueness—like a certain class’s fascination with my friend Dan or the students that showed up on my doorstep looking for fried eggs for breakfast one Sunday morning. Other events are enjoyable to look back at primarily because they represent a task accomplished, and thankfully they won’t have to be repeated. I am sure that in the context of school you can think of many memories that would fall into this category.
The ability to remember is a gift from God. Imagine how painful our lives would be if we were unable to remember simple life lessons such as, “Don’t stick pipe cleaners into electrical outlets.” Remembering can also be about much weightier matters as well. When the children of Israel finished their wilderness wandering and finally entered the Promised Land, they were instructed to collect some stones from the bed of the Jordan River and set them up on the river bank. The purpose of the stones was to be a reminder for them (and for generations to come) of the Lord’s great provision for them that day.
As you enter the next stage of your life, I would encourage you to take a moment and reflect on God’s provision for you over these last several years. Are there lessons you have learned that you don’t want to forget? Right now these things are fresh on your mind, but they could fade with time. The Israelites stacked up a pile of rocks to make sure they remembered. What will you do to make sure that you remember? Maybe you could get a nice BJA tattoo to help you remember what you have learned here. (Just kidding, don’t actually do that!)
One of my favorite memories from this year was our time at The Wilds. Many things come to mind when I think of that week: sand volleyball, the lake, the hike to the falls, the zip line, the music, and the preaching. However, my last memory from the trip stands out in my thinking. On the back of The Wilds entrance sign is 2 Timothy 3:14, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned….” And that is my prayer for you—that you would remember what the Lord has taught you and that you would continue in it.
Mr. George
Bob Jones Academy exists to assist like-minded parents in challenging students to love Jesus Christ, to embrace God’s truth, to exercise integrity, to pursue excellence, and to serve others.
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