The dreaded day came. Mid-term progress reports went home and then… (ominous music) the first Parent – Teacher conferences! The variety of conferences are only limited by the variety of parents and parenting styles. Some parents just want to meet you, to put a name to a face. They might want to meet the miracle worker or worse, the villain their child comes home and talks about every evening. Some are there to question a grade. Some are there to argue a grade. Some parents come in to argue with you. Some parents leave arguing with their student. Still other parents seem bewildered through the entire process. Some pop in to say hi and are gone in a flash. Other parents stay…and stay…and stay. It makes for an interesting evening, believe me!
When Jesus died on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn in two. The veil was a thick curtain of sorts that closed off the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctuary where they kept the Ark of the Covenant, representing the very presence of God. The High Priest was only allowed to go in on a few, specific days. Otherwise, there remained a separation between God and man. Jesus’ death on the cross broke through that veil and bridged the gap between the two. Now we have direct access with God, any time, day or night, 24/7/365.
With this awesome privilege, what are your “conferences” like? Do you pop in to say hi and leave just as rapidly? Do you only go to question a difficult circumstance or why the neighbors get a new car and you don’t? Do you go to argue with God? Do you bring Him a laundry list of things to fix or take care of and never stop to really talk to Him?
The big thing that sets the Christian life apart from other religions is that it is a relationship. God is our Father because He adopts us into His family. A real relationship requires nurturing and communication. We should and must take the necessary time. May we all seek to deepen our relationship with God as much as those parents want to know what’s going on “down at that school.”
Until our next togethering,
love ya,
Bret
