From the desk of Wally Dawkins, Athletic Director:

Everything I do is so serious.

To me anyway!

The decisions I make today…or don’t make today, could possibly effect civilization as we know it!  I am really good at convincing myself of that fact!  I am also great at turning miniscule things into a life or death situation, because I practice at it.  Sometimes, life’s daily routines become drudgery, and the molehills seem like the Appalachians.  Many times, I have a hard time finding the joy in life’s seemingly mundane daily routine.  I find it so much easier to say “no” rather than to say “yes”.  Frowning comes much easier to me than grinning really big and I sometimes get in the habit of dreading the “what I’m doing next.” Recently, I have needed something that would “turn that frown upside down”.

Last Wednesday, and for the first time this year (although I am ashamed to admit it), I attended a Brook Hill Lower School Chapel.  As you might have guessed, I actually dreaded sitting through the 45 minute chapel service, but I was attending out of a sense of duty.  It was my wife’s 4th grade class who was in charge of chapel that day, and honestly, I felt somewhat obligated to attend.  Mrs. Laurie Dawkins had been really stressed about how her class would perform their three skits during chapel, and I just believed it was my “husband-like duty” to support my wife’s efforts, regardless of how painful it might be.  As I took my place in the bleachers, seated by the gym door for a quick exit, I glanced at the clock on my cell phone one last time, wondering if I could truly survive for 45 minutes.

Contrary to what I expected, attending the Lower School Chapel last Wednesday was one of the most enjoyable, inspiring, fun, attitude adjustment events that I have been to in a long time.  I have never been a part of a song service that was more uplifting.

BH Lower School Music Teacher Kevin Pierce was amazing.  He obviously has a gift for leading songs the kids not only love to sing and sound good while singing them, he has a knack for bringing out their joy and energy at the same time.  Laurie has told me how helpful Mr. Pierce is with organizing the chapels, and before you knew it, I had left my seat and was standing and singing with the kids (minus the arm motions and hand jiving…you know let’s don’t push it!).

I couldn’t help but notice how involved the Lower School Teachers were also.  They were singing, and clapping, and giving their kids high fives.  It was obvious how much they were enjoying themselves, and the kids really responded to them and their leadership.

I was amazed at the 4th grade students who led the pledges, read scripture, and prayed with such poise and reverence.

The three skits they performed dealt with God’s forgiveness, and were not only entertaining but meaningful.  With the students who were performing dressed up in Old Testament costumes, the stories of Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, and the saga of King Saul and David were well received by the students, faculty, and parents.  I was proud of Laurie’s class as they didn’t miss a beat, and I know she was proud of them too.

Even though chapel was over, I wasn’t ready to leave.  “Strange” I thought to myself.  Then I found myself smiling, congratulating the students, their parents AND their teacher.  It made me feel all gooey and warm inside…kind of!  I was really glad I had attended chapel that day, and I thought “what a great experience for the Brook Hill Lower School faculty and student body, to worship like this each week”.  As you can tell, not only was I impressed…I walked out of The Lower School inspired.

So here is the deal; if you are feeling somewhat overwhelmed, maybe down in the dumps, or a little gloomy, treat yourself and attend a Lower School Chapel led by Kevin Pierce and The Lower School Faculty, Staff, and Administration.

You will be the better for it!

And that’s another reason to be “ALL ORANGE…All The Time”.