Bright New Shiny Star

Happy Christmas and New Year, EDS friends...

I realize I have missed blogging for the last two weeks of Advent. Much like Santa's Workshop, life seems to get just as crazy here at EDS. I can report however that my "ROSE" week was full of joy, parties, and anticipation of the Christmas holiday.. my last "Periwinkle" week was coupled with a church pageant rehearsal, a near-carol sing (that i still needed to prepare for), and ultimately the rescheduled EDS Yuletide Eve.. which is NEVER a disappointment, or the rare few. Then Christmas Eve was upon me. My apologies in not writing sooner.

In hearing from many of EDS' parents and families since the production, one particular commentary stood out among the many. It actually brought me to tears. And really it made me tearful, (joyfully), exactly at a moment when I truly needed it. One of our mothers shared her personal family blog with me. In this blog were various comments as to his performance. It was very cute and very funny! She went on to state that her child had found a home at EDS because he wasn't just "tolerated" for his differences... he was actually encouraged! She spoke of one or two other students whom clearly lent their own "spin" to their roles during the performance.

I swelled with emotion after reading her words. It was about 7:30am post-show. (I am always tired and emotional the following morning). I was sipping my coffee and going through my emails, (as I do early on in the AM), and then read this perfect description of EDS.. but really what I feel is my gift. My gift that has been shone through me from God. How the Holy Spirit works through me. You see I am no stranger to the unique personality. Folks.. to be honest that is more than half the reason and foundation that this school is the way it is. I have plenty tell me this over the years... that very thought. I have parents who have referred to my standards and "me" as "the Eiffel Tower".. I have one family who clearly said.. "Miss Dawn, build it and they will come."

This article is not a tribute to me. Hardly. It is leading me to my topic of discussion which is about our "Star". It is about all of us shining on, and though, in what we were meant to do and be through Christ and following that Star.

Perhaps, an Epiphany, can occur several times in ones' life. (truly God's redeeming grace for us). But really, this particular Epiphany gets bigger and brighter for me. Our lives . I think, are following our paths that are set before us by God. They are clear and spelled out. Do things get in our way?? Yes. But mostly those things are US! We are meant to do great and powerful things in this world. WE are meant to SHINE in the way that is intended for us. Much like these children are given that chance to do here at EDS. I have always subscribed to a wide-bodied, well-rounded curriculum. Always. How else could I tell a parent what avenues to travel down in helping their child discover their talents? That is the purpose of my school. It is here to seek the star in all of us. We then foster it, and nourish and nurture, the growth to allow this very unique individual develop their natural abilities to pursue whatever it is that is intended for them by God. That simple. The Holy Spirit does the rest. Yes,, we need to work ourselves.. but once we know where we shine we can move.

I have two male persons in my life who talk about "shining" a lot. Ironically, both are huge Pink Floyd fans, Yankees fans, and theology addicts. One has coined the phrase, (as his sign-off),
"shine on"... (lyrics from Floyd). He is right and good to tell people to do this. He is asking them to let it rip.. be your authentically true self when entering the public sphere.. go be what God intended you to do and be. The other man in my life goes deeper. He says, "I know you will shine.. you always do." This person not only knows I will deliver what God has intended, he also is encouraging me to be me. He usually signs off with something like, "You know I believe in you." How powerful? How persuading! Perhaps, at times daunting! Yet, this is my exact message to my kiddo friends. Find your niche and stick with it. I am going to support your unique talent.. see you through. Believe in your ability... And "find the space where the oxen can air guitar" and the Magi to wear a shiny, red sequence jumpsuit, or drummer drum to every song in a production... Because it is what they are meant to do. God has helped me be part of their lives in doing so I possess the responsibility to let them follow their stars!
Isn't that my stewardship as well?

I am struggling a bit these ending days of our 2008 year. There have been several times this year that I have felt like the Magi, stuck in the desert somewhere.. with only that star to follow at night. (Remember that's was the only time they could travel.. in darkness). They knew the outcome was to find the promised one. They studied and researched Jesus' coming for years. The met and faced obstacles. They continued to follow the star that God set ablaze for them. They rode through the deserts, through wind and cold to present the gifts to the child Jesus. To set the tone for the times to come. Epiphany's were flying. Dreams were present and real. Life would never be the same again for that poor and ostracized couple.. but they continued to believe in God's promise for them. Therefore we must do the same. There was a plan. The plan is present for us all who follow our star path.

I may be faced with losing my position at EC as Christian Formation Director for the upcoming year. Simply, as it is explained to me, is that church can no longer afford me. I have had this inside of my being since before Christmas got off to its usual furvor around here. I have questioned it over and over. I have cried more than anything else..but, I have decided to follow the star in my life. The Epiphany of what is to come will be coming. But, I must wear night-vision glasses, and I must be prepared to move on dreams...

I love and appreciate every moment that I am honored to relate God to one of my students. It is the most fulfilling thing I do.. I believe. My star is burning brightly and I must continue to relate God's words and messages to my young friends and God has willed that for me...I may have to cross some deserts to arrive, but He will be my navigator.

My New Year's wish and Epiphany message is to welcome your new star, believe in yourself and others. And shine on!

Dawn M. Grinnell, Director Children's Formation, EDS