“Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us. Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year at Central Florida Christian Academy. Our theme for the school year is “Fill the Footprints”. As a young boy, my grandparents and parents, trained me to leave a living impact on all those I come in contact. Three of my grandparents now reside in Heaven and have left footprints for me to follow each day of my life.
I was ten the first time I went out early one morning fishing with my grandfather. We headed out in the boat about 4:00 am and stayed in the middle of the lake until noon. Growing up in Northern Michigan the lakes we fished on were in most places over 80 feet deep. My grandpa taught me that when you are fishing you need to be silent. At first I never questioned that but several years later I remember saying, “Grandpa, we are fishing in 80 foot water, how can the fish hear me?” His response was forever embedded in my mind. “Now Timmy, I never said the fish could hear you but as long as you are talking you will not be able to hear God speaking to you.” To this day I have held close to my heart the verse that my Grandpa taught me that day, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). This is just one small example of the foundation that was laid for me; however, I believe it is because of this type of training that I sit here today writing this letter to you.
Each of us have been surrounded by “such a great cloud of witnesses” whom we look to for wisdom and advice. They have walked ahead, leaving footprints behind to follow. It is in these footprints that have been left we find guidance, expectations, and a motivation to continue on. In my office I have the Bible that my Grandpa Euler would use when he preached. It has many notes written through it and many times I have opened it up and used his notes as a guide for my life. My Grandpa’s Bible and notes represent a life well lived and a life that should be followed.
As we begin a new school year the challenge that lies before us is not only to “Fill the Footprints” but leave new footprints that can be followed. Over the summer and throughout the school year our staff will read the book iY Generation by Tim Elmore (2010). A subtitle in his book is called, A Rising Generation and a Retiring Generation. In this section he makes the following statement, “Unless we raise the standard for kids today and help them to think and act like authentic leaders, they won’t be ready for the responsibility thrust on them as they enter young adulthood” (p. 143)
I believe Mr. Elmore is saying it is time that we do things different as we prepare our students. It is time we train them in such a way they understand every action leaves a footprint. They not only should attempt to honor and follow the footprints that have been left for them but also make new footprints that can be followed by others. The education your children will receive at CFCA will be authentic as we desire to develop leaders that leave footprints of excellence. So this school year will not be unlike any others; we will challenge your children to stretch further than they have ever thought possible, we will mentor and guide them, but we will also help them understand the decisions they make today will not only impact their lives forever but will also impact those that are following behind them. Just as I desire to walk in my grandparents’ footprints, we desire for your children to leave footprints that can be followed as well. This challenge is applicable for parents also. What footprints are you leaving that can be followed?
I look forward to an exciting new year together and seeing each of you at the Back to School Bash on August 9th, starting at 4:00pm. This will be a great opportunity for you to begin leaving Footprints that last for eternity. I will see you there!
Serving Him and You,
Tim Euler, M.Ed. Head of School