GoMix Christian Radio

Summer always flies by for me. At the academy, we are all busy wrapping up the previous year and preparing for the new one. Paperwork never ends, and we are painting, cleaning, and repairing, so the building can get messed up again. Just like our homes, we have to clean them up so we can mess them up. I also have projects I want to get done at home, and I want more time with my husband and family. However, it never feels like enough. I guess I need to remind myself that most people have the same schedule year-round, and I am very lucky to have a change.

I truly cherish the ministry that the Lord has entrusted to me. My husband, family, students, and friends are all part of this wonderful gift, although most of my time is spent at the academy. During this time of year, we have new students starting at the school. Each one has a different reason for coming. The younger children are just beginning school, and Mom and Dad are looking for a suitable place for their precious child to start. Others come because they are seeking a Christian school, need academic support, or have had a negative experience elsewhere and are looking for a safe environment.

When we interview the families, we give them a tour and try to make them feel comfortable. For students, the idea of talking to the principal can be intimidating. I try to put them at ease. One of the common things I say to those who seem especially nervous is “I promise I don’t bite, and if I did, I have had my shots.” I usually get a smile, and by the end of the interview, most of the young people seem less tense.

One step in the enrollment process is for students to be academically tested. During this time, we try to talk to them and help them feel comfortable before we begin. We ask about their families and hobbies. Usually, we start the test with their favorite subject. We realize that every interaction with a student is an opportunity to build trust. A strong teacher-student relationship relies on trust. Students need to believe that the teacher has their best interests at heart. There will be times when a student doesn’t understand a teacher’s actions. Ideally, if trust has been established, the teacher will be given the benefit of the doubt. I understand that some teachers may not deserve trust, but they should not hold the title.

Trust is very important in every relationship. Without it, the bond between two people cannot grow. At the academy, I sometimes see students fussing or upset. Once, a student told me that her friend was talking about her. I looked at her calmly and said, “But weren’t you talking about her yesterday?” This friendship clearly needed some work. The two students should have talked to each other about their problem instead of involving a third person. Naturally, the gossip had spread, so several people knew about the issue. We worked it out and had a lesson on friendship. A true friend can be trusted to love us enough to have difficult conversations. Proverbs 27:17 states, “Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” A friend is willing to love you enough to make you mad. They will try to help you grow in your character and point out your weaknesses, never being haughty or arrogant, but doing so through love. Trust is essential!

Trust is also crucial in marriage. Couples share everything—living in the same home, taking on shared responsibilities, raising children together, managing bank accounts, and confiding secrets. Of course, I understand that not all couples are fortunate enough to have complete trust in their spouse. Sometimes trust is broken by betrayal, and at other times, a selfish spouse refuses to do their part. But in a healthy marriage, trust remains key. I am fortunate to have a loving husband. In our relationship, we both know that if one hurts the other, it’s never intentional. There have been times when each of us has said to ourselves, "I know he or she didn’t mean what was said," because we trust their heart. Other times, we have tough conversations because we don’t want anything to come between us. We must always be able to trust each other.

Trust in every relationship is important, but trusting my Heavenly Father is the most important of all. If we don’t trust our Lord, it will be difficult to have a healthy relationship with anyone else. When my youngest brother died at age 33, as expected, my parents were having a very hard time. I went to breakfast with my father, and we talked for a long time. My dad was sharing how hard it was to understand. My brother, Scott, was the father of two beautiful girls and the pastor of a thriving church. I reminded him of a time in my childhood when I did not understand something he had done. I went to my room and cried. My father came in and reminded me of how much he loved me. I am sure he left the room sorrowful because I was inconsolable. I was about 9 years old then, and I pulled myself together. I wiped my eyes and sat on the side of my bed. My dad was the apple of my eye and could do no wrong. He could leap tall buildings in a single bound. I reminded myself how much he loved me. I also knew he would never hurt me on purpose and that his decision must have been for my good. I went back into the living room, where my father was in tears, and put my arms around him to let him know I loved him. I basically told him, Daddy, I trust you.

I was sharing with my dad that we don’t know the whys of this world, but we must trust our Heavenly Father. I need to learn this lesson too. We put ourselves in many situations, and many of our circumstances are the result of others' sins. We live in a sin-cursed world, so until we reach Heaven, we will face problems. We can’t blame God every time a crisis comes our way. Instead, we must live beyond our circumstances and let them help us grow.

In all things, we must trust that God has us in His hands. No one can pluck us out if we are His children (John 10:28). Just as in our own children’s lives, we desire to have their trust. Hopefully, they all know that everything we have done is born out of love. The hard lessons we teach them are meant to help them develop character. They will always be our children, whether they trust us or not.

If we have accepted Christ, we will always be part of His family. Isn’t it time we stop doubting our Heavenly Father? Can’t you hear Him saying, “Just trust me, my child?” We desire to be trusted. Isn’t it time for us to trust our Lord?

Dr. Worthington has five children and twelve grandchildren. She serves as Principal of Pathway Christian Academy in Goldsboro