Together

EDUCATION FEATURE

There is a popular song by the Christian group, For King and Country, that my daughter often plays. The song is entitled "Together," and the chorus lyrics include these words:

If you're fightin’ in the fight of your life, then stand We're gonna make it through this hand-in-hand And if we fall, we will fall together… Together And when we rise, we will rise together Together

The word “together” is defined as "with or in proximity to another person or people." However, when one searches deeper for the definition of being together, the words take on a personal flavor. "Cooperative and surrounded by friends, together is never alone." I would suggest the last part is worth repeating— “together is never alone.”

It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve as the director of Education for the Alberta Conference, and throughout my time in this role, the theme of “Being together” has been at the forefront of visioning. Collaboration, collegiality, and cooperation have been the drivers for our leadership team. Comprised of the Education Department staff and our school principals, the school leadership team in the Alberta Conference demonstrates what being together means.

Thank you to the unwavering dedication of our principals who have led their schools through the most challenging year that this generation has experienced. Thank you to our teachers—our education warriors—who have had the courage to fully show up each and every day to carry out the ministry of education to their students. It is not an overstatement to suggest that the above song lyrics ring true during this time. We are indeed going to make it through this even stronger than we were before because we stand together—not alone.

The words “thank you” seem inadequate to express my deepest gratitude for the countless blessings afforded to me during my time working for the Alberta Conference. As I begin a new chapter in my career, the word “together” will always be at the forefront when I think of Adventist Education in Alberta. Together, we work with our churches. Together, we work with the homes of our students. Together, our school system is stronger.

We are indeed going to make it through this, even stronger than we were before because we stand together. Not alone.

May Philippians 2:2 always be our guide: "Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind" (ESV). There are times we stumble, trip, and even fall, but having the love and joy of Christ at the center of all we do will ensure we can pick each other up and continue together. Most importantly, we will continue to rise. We will rise together. Together!

By Ronda Ziakris | Director/Education