Be a Bunyan

We’ve only just begun, that is, Brennan’s High School Senior Year. Monday was the Convocation Ceremonies for Regents School students’, Kindergarten to Grade 12. The stands were full of parents and families. The floor was full of students. And the mamas of the seniors were shedding a few tears. This is the beginning of the end of their children in basic school training. Their babies will soon be “leaving the nest”.

It was worth the 45 minute drive to be there. I’ll admit, I was a bit misty-eyed too! But, as the beautiful ceremonies of prayers, scriptures readings, hymns being sung and students and parents being acknowledged — it was well worth the drive and the tears.

Dr. Dan Peterson, Regents School Head, gave an inspiring address. He spoke about the life of John Bunyun, “Pilgrims Progress”. He shared that Bunyun’s two main characteristics were tenderness and tenacity. He left school at the age of 10 to help his father, but became more passionate about fun than others.

But that changed when Bunyan went into the army and began to study scriptures. It was tough times for preachers and was put into prison. That’s where he began to write “Pilgrim’s Progress”. Today the number of copies sold are second to the Bible.

Dr. Peterson exhorted: “Be a Bunyan”! “I don’t mean you have to be a preacher, but:

1) Be tenderhearted and kind. As followers of Christ, we must have a tender heart, gentleness, concern and compassion for those we agree with or don’t agree with. Bunyun exuded a tender heart.

2) Be tenacious. Like what was seen in Joshua, David and Ruth. Be persistent and determined, to have true grit and perseverance.

John Bunyan could have been released from prison if he would stop preaching. He didn’t stop.

And, to the Seniors he said: “Be kind to others! The stoles you wear around your necks are a symbol of servant leaders, like Jesus. Always be prepared to wash the feet of others. Be a selfless leader.

1 Peter 3:8 says: “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

He concluded his talk with the school’s charge: “Will you strive to live Coram Deo, “Before the face of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God, showing grace and respect to all those in our Regents community and beyond?” Response: “We will!”

I was in class with all those students and parents today. I heard the charge and the admonition to be tender, tenacious and humble. I accept the challenge! How about you?