We’ve just seven and a half days of school remaining.  While it may be tempting to coast to the finish line, as Mrs. Spaulding reminded us all last week, it is so very important to finish well.  So, over the final mornings of this school year, we will revisit our school virtues.  And as we do, I encourage you to consider how your understanding of each virtue might have changed over the course of this year.

Our first virtue, you will recall, is fortitude—courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.  King David, instructing his son Solomon to take up the difficult and important task of constructing the temple, said to him:

“Be strong and courageous and do [the work]. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.” (1 Chronicles 28:20).

What have you had to do this year that has been difficult or terrifying?  A recitation?  A math test?  Making new friends?  Whatever it was, remember that it took fortitude and God’s help to do it.  And also remember that, as Aristotle observed, “We become brave by doing brave acts.”

So, be strong and courageous and do whatever work remains, until it is finished.

Have a wonderful day.