Thanksgiving Holiday Blessings from National School Chaplain Association
Be blessed as you gather around the table
All of us here at the National School Chaplain Association extend warm blessings to you this Thanksgiving Holiday. May you find unexpected joy and deep gratitude in ways yet unseen. We pray this reward comes to you in return for your generosity toward our mission. We are deeply grateful for all of you. There is much fruit and bounty from the labor of bringing chaplain care to the school children.
A culture shift that benefits all people is within our reach. An important perspective published by the NRB, National Religious Broadcasters is well worth the read. Click the link > A Chaplain in Every School Could Change the Culture of Our Country - NRB Please share that publication far and wide for others to see the life changing NSCA mission.
Also, testimonial evidence is continually being posted in the Chaplain Life Series on this NSCA blog page.
Our response can be no other than to…
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations.” (Psalms 100:4-5)
Generations! Yes! You are a valuable part of teaching truth from generations to generation. We are charged with keeping alive the standards of a firm foundation, and because of the Lord’s blessing on this mission; we “… sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.” (Psalms 107:22)
Chaplains help students and faculty transition through difficult holiday seasons. Although holidays are generally a wonderful time of fellowship; they can also be challenging for dysfunctional situations or grieving families. School Chaplains notice the signs of a struggle --a longing, an expression or a posture of sadness. Those who feel invisible are thankful to have chaplains who are geared to minister to the heart. Chaplaincy care is uniquely vital in ways that secular methods do not address. Even though sadness looms on the surface, Chaplains assist others in finding underlying reasons to be grateful. Chaplains can help implement an attitude of gratitude. Science has proven what spiritual truth already knew about the effects of thankfulness.
Scientific studies reveal how being thankful actually induces positive changes in how your brain works. MRI testing demonstrates these changes in various sections of the brain during times of gratitude. Learn more here: https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/
Dr. Michael E. McCullough and Dr. Robert A. Emmons are renown researchers of the effects of gratitude. Their work is cited on a plethora of websites, for example https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12585811/ They significantly define gratitude as involving a two-step process involving the recognition of a positive outcome and the external source of that outcome. Their studies reveal that those who regularly practice gratitude are more optimistic, happier and are more healthy.
That finding can be a reminder of what the Bible says in “Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” As chaplains, we appreciate the complimentary work of science and the spiritual source of an attitude of gratitude. At schools a multidisciplinary team rounds out the needs of the students. There is much to be thankful for with collaboration and the outcomes provided by an all-sufficient-savior who gave his own life so we can live full and free.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Thankful for growth! Sincere gratitude goes out to the legislators, school district administrators, faculty and students who have recognized the value of chaplaincy and opened the doors for school chaplains to build resilience now and for a thriving future. Thanks to all the School Chaplains for serving. Over the last couple of months, more people have answered the call to become school chaplains!
Thank YOU for your continued support by donating to this Chaplain School ministry of presence. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
In service to Christ, National School Chaplain Association www.campuschaplains.org