Reflections at the Gate - A New School Year Ahead

Focus Scripture

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3

Thoughts

As I sit at the airport in Tokyo, Japan, luggage by my side and heart full from a week of inspiration, I find myself reflecting on all that has taken place. The conference I just attended was more than a professional gathering—it helped to fill my cup with Dani sharing the experience as my partner in life.

As a principal, it’s both humbling and energizing to spend time learning about educational practices, leadership, and reconnecting with friends and fellow leaders from other districts. We sharpened each other, shared challenges and victories, and reminded one another of the sacred work we’re called to do.

Now, it’s time to return home—to Okinawa, to Ralph Stearley Primary School, to the familiar halls that will soon echo with the energy of another school year. My team of teachers will return next week, and we’ll begin preparing our classrooms, refining our goals, and most importantly, readying our hearts. But today, in this quiet in-between moment, I’m offering it all to God—every idea, every plan, every unknown.

The work of education is more than academic—it’s deeply spiritual. As principals and educators, we’re called to lead with more than policy and procedures; we’re called to lead with wisdom, vision, compassion, and humility. This past week reminded me that while leadership can sometimes feel heavy, it is also holy.

God doesn’t ask us to do this work alone. He asks us to commit it to Him. When we do, He promises to establish our plans—not always in the way we imagined, but always in the way that brings growth and glory.

Life Application

As I step back into Ralph Stearley Primary School, my prayer is that our building becomes more than a school—it becomes a safe, joyful, purpose-filled space where students grow and teachers thrive. I want our staff to feel supported and seen, and our students to feel loved and challenged.

If you’re an educator reading this, I encourage you to take some quiet time before the year begins. Ask God to bless your classroom, your students, and your heart. Let’s be intentional about making space for His presence—in our leadership, in our instruction, and in every hallway conversation.

This school year, I’m not just leading with plans—I’m leading with prayer. I invite you to do the same.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of this past week—a time to learn, to grow, and to reconnect with others who share this calling. As I return to Ralph Stearley Primary School and prepare to welcome our staff back, I pray that You go before us in every detail. Bless our teachers with fresh energy, our students with open hearts, and our school with unity and peace. Let this year be marked by grace, excellence, and joy. Remind us daily that this work is Yours, and we are simply stewards of these young lives. I commit this year to You, Lord. Lead me as I lead others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The image powerfully illustrates servant leadership, capturing the moment from John 13, where Jesus demonstrates humility and love, saying, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”