"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
When you were a child, what did you often dream of becoming when you grew up? Was it a fireman, astronaut, doctor.. perhaps even a presidential candidate? For most of my life, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. My mom was a teacher, and I would use all of her supplies that were stored in our basement to play school. Being the oldest of the neighborhood, I pretty much manipulated my way into fulfilling my aspirations by forcing my younger sister and her friends into serving as my pretend students.
My family lived in Detroit. I was raised in an extremely dysfunctional home where my dad’s addiction to alcohol created a very volatile and violent environment. I went to school each day, but never dared to share with anyone what was actually going on in my home. Kids from abusive situations are masters at keeping secrets.
My mom dutifully took us to church every other week. I heard and knew of Jesus, but it was only a factual relationship.
At the beginning of my 8th grade year, my mom was motivated by the growing violence in our local public schools to enroll us into a Lutheran school, and it was there that my life began to make a dramatic change.
I had Pastors and teachers who modeled Christ and His love on a daily basis. I had opportunities to study God’s Word and learn that despite my earthly father’s short comings, I had a Heavenly Father who loved me unconditionally. I also made friends who would openly share their faith and challenge me to grow in mine as well.
I continued on to Lutheran West for high school, and when it became time to select a college, I just knew that I wanted to become a Lutheran teacher in hopes that I could make a similar difference in other children’s lives. The Lord promises in Romans 8:28 that He will use all things for good, and I can see how He’s used my childhood experiences to minister to others. I can’t tell you how many times throughout my years of ministry that I’ve held a crying child who has expressed in various fashions the message of, “Mrs. Palka, you just wouldn’t understand what is going on in my life”, to which I quickly respond with “try me.” I praise God, that in those instances, I can share the hope of Christ with kids when their lives seem to be falling apart.
That’s the beauty of Lutheran education. Not only are we equipping students with a strong academic foundation, but more importantly, we are providing avenues to equip young disciples to grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ on a daily basis so that they can in turn go out and further His kingdom and share the love of Christ.
As my life journey continued, my dad was diagnosed with congenital heart failure. One night as he was in ICU, I knew that I had to share and discuss Christ with him, and I was amazed at his receptiveness. A week before he died, he agreed to be baptized; with family members present, he publicly professed Jesus as his Savior. The Lord gave us time to heal and repair our relationship. During our last week together, he would always raise his hand for me to pray with him before I said “good night”. During our last interaction together, my dad had progressed to a semi-catatonic state, but to my amazement, he automatically lifted up his hand when I told him that I had to leave. The next day, the Lord even allowed for me to be present as my dad was ushered into Heaven. In looking back, I can’t help but wonder, if I had not attended Lutheran schools, would my faith development have been to a point that I would have had the confidence to speak to my dad about his faith in Christ, as well as the ability to forgive him for what had occurred throughout my childhood?
And now, as a parent of adult children that have progressed through the Lutheran school system, as well as a grandparent with a granddaughter that has just begun this adventure, I am extremely grateful for the role that St. Matthew has played in cultivating each of their spiritual walks. Each one of them has been blessed with teachers who they will remember for the rest of their lives as being strong spiritual influences in their academic and faith journeys.
Lutheran schools have such a strong potential to light the way for faith, hope, and love. When you are asked, "Why do you select to send your child to a Christian school?" or you yourself are even wondering is this sacrifice worth it, remember the words from Scripture, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Of all of the investments you could provide for your child, sending your child to St. Matthew has earthly benefits with eternal rewards. We are so honored that you have selected to entrust your children into our care.
As we conclude this National Lutheran Schools Week, we are so thankful for our extremely dedicated staff, our tremendous parental support, and our students who bring abundant joy into our lives. But most of all... we thank and praise our God for the gift of our school and all of the blessings that resonate from Christian education.
In His Love,
Mrs. Palka