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Unexpected Chapel

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By Zoe Seevaratnam 

Leadership Development is an optional class where students grow in spiritual truths while leading others to do the same. This year, however, has posed some challenges in ways the class can exhibit leadership practically. However, this past week has provided the course with a unique and creative outlet to demonstrate spiritual leadership--leading chapel. The process of planning to lead the chapel made students aware of the need for God's presence and the importance of gratitude.

A theme needed to be established, yet a whimsical idea cannot be enough when it comes to a chapel topic. Mr. Ronzhiemer told the class to pray before discussing ideas within groups. “Pray first” has become the unofficial class motto, as they have learned that they need to acknowledge God before planning anything. This motto proved evident during the class planning session as a common theme occurred during small group discussions--gratitude. Gratitude repeatedly appeared on the board as classmates wrote their ideas. Classmates blamed each other for the act of copying but soon realized that the coincidence was a God incident. Gratitude was decided on. The class saw the importance of prayer being demonstrated in such a transparent manner. God’s presence allowed for unity in thought and an understanding of what God was encouraging them to grow in.

The theme of gratitude presented itself to be the right antidote for the trials of the year. This year has affected everyone differently, but a sense of disappointment has come over each student. However, many great things have come out of these trying times; it has been a time for self-reflection and building relationships. Gratitude presented itself as the best way to find positivity despite the hardships; it offers the right motivation to take advantage of the year to come. A week of gratitude challenges were created by the class to encourage students to demonstrate their gratitude towards others in a practical way.

As Joel Kelley, a student in the class, says, “Gratitude is not a passive result but an active decision renewed day by day.” The goal of the challenge was to get the focus off of oneself while simultaneously encouraging others on a daily basis. A perspective game was also planned for the chapel. Several pictures were zoomed upon, and students were to guess what the picture was of. It was much harder guessing what the picture was when the entirety of it could not be seen. The purpose of the game demonstrates that getting bogged down by the disappointments of this season prevents oneself from seeing the year as a whole. Gratitude provides a perspective in which setbacks can be turn into comebacks

This unexpected chapel taught many lessons to a variety of people. The students in class learned the importance of acknowledging God and asking for His help. The high school learned that gratitude is the right tool in combating letdowns and provides the right outlook on life. Gratitude changes the trajectory of a year and finds the light amidst the darkness.

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