by Susan Carrion, Director of Instruction
With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: ‘He is good; his love to Israel endures forever.’ And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
Ezra 3:11
In reading this verse in Ezra, I was drawn to the phrase in the latter part of the sentence. Contemplating on the words “the foundation of the house of the LORD” being laid, I couldn’t help but think of a few contemporary scenarios regarding this thought, and relate them to praise and thanksgiving in the same way the people of Jerusalem did at the rebuilding of the temple in about 515 B.C.
The first pertains to Christian families, who are to have a foundation laid by the Lord. When parents are consistent in and dedicated to their own spiritual growth, and are diligent in teaching and training their children toward godly attitudes, reverence for the things of God, a balanced view of authority and service, and are lovingly reflecting God’s kingdom in their homes, it is indeed a cause for praise and thanksgiving to God.
The second thought that came to mind was Clapham School itself. Again and again we are reminded of God’s faithfulness, provision, and guidance to our school. As we contemplate blessings which are made up of our students, families, personnel and staff, curriculum, materials, and facility, we recognize that these and other aspects of Clapham are clear indications that the Lord has indeed “laid this foundation,” and are a call to us all to sing and shout praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.
Finally, as we focus on our individual lives as Christians, it is amazing to ponder how God orchestrates even the smallest details of our existence to lead us to build and strengthen our “houses” on His solid foundation. Thinking over His direction in my own life, in the lives of our staff, in the lives of my own children and the students I’ve had over the years, there is much cause for praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. I would challenge each of you, as we come to this time of year which focuses on Thanksgiving, that you set aside time to recall what God has done and is doing in your life, and acknowledge the foundation that He has laid for you. Thank Him for what He has done, and freely praise Him for His goodness and love towards you.