This past Sunday, I attended the graduation of LPS. My brother-in-law was part of the graduating class. On the night before,there was a commencement concert and award ceremony. I'm sad to admit that I groaned a little when I perused the program folder. Five scholarships were awarded at one point of the night, and 26 more at another. That's 31 awards! And of course there's clapping after each and everyone as the crowd honors the students for their achievements.

But then something happened that made my shame hit home. I started to think about each of those scholarships being given out. Money for students who showed leadership in all sorts of areas. $150 for a Senior going on to MLC who excelled in music. $150 for a Senior who was not going to MLC, but who would be a strong lay leader in a congregation some day. These weren't just proverbial carrots dangled before the eyes of students to get them to achieve good grades and write good essays. These were acts of love. People had set up these scholarship funds to help and encourage students to advance in the ministry. These were people who were so thankful to a system that produced excellent students who know their stuff, and most importantly know their Lord. These are people who see pastors and teachres go out into our congregations, many of whom started their long road of education at this prep school. These are people who loved their God and loved their schools enough to find ways to keep giving.

26 acts of love. May we all be thankful for each one of them.

Pastor Jansen