FROM THE PASTOR'S STUDY......September, 2010

From Your Pastor . . .
It’s been a few years since I literally went back to school, but September always has a way of bringing out the perpetual student in me.
September was magical – a blend of old friends and new, a brand-new teacher who hadn’t yet formed an opinion about me, and fascinating new subjects to learn in class.
Being a perfectionist of only average intelligence, I was doomed to disappointment.  My grand hopes eventually would be outrun by my limited talents.
As an introvert, my lack of social skills and anything remotely approaching exuberance was often mistaken for lack of intelligence.  So I mostly coasted through grade school well below the radar and comfortably in the ‘slow’ group. 
Miss Brown – my sixth grade teacher – changed my life.  After reading assessments were done, my world turned upside down.
One day I was in the ‘slow’ group, the next I was in the ‘accelerated’ group.  Suddenly I was deemed ‘smart.’  Miss Brown appeared to believe it, too.  As soon as a higher standard was set for my education,  I set about living up to it.
Higher expectations for ourselves and others can motivate better effort. 
This September, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.  Look at old relationships with new eyes.  Give friend and foe alike a fresh chance, and expect better.  Encourage your-self and others to do their very best.
Here at Ascension, we have a Teacher who calls forth the very best in us.  This Teacher gave his very best for us, and still does.
It’s back to school!

Pastor Mark Boorsma
mboorsma@smig.net