Today is Senior Chapel day at our school, the traditional last day of classes for our seniors. In a normal year, the seniors dress up, walk into the sanctuary as their names are called, and listen to a special sermon directed at them. It’s the capstone chapel for them, and the last time they assemble until baccalaureate and graduation two weeks later.

Of course, it’s not normal. Our Senior Chapel is online. The “Eagle Walk,” caps and gowns through the halls of our school, high-fives with the littles and cheers from the older students, is being replaced by a parade around the stadium tonight and “socially distanced” cheering from their school family.

There is still so much to be grateful for. This week, we are taking a moment to say “Thank You” to God for all He has done for our kids and, through them, for us. I reference Psalm 95, Romans and First Corinthians this week.

Father,

Today we exhale. The last day of classes for our seniors. The last Chapel for them. You know we are sad for the way this year has ended, but today, right now, our hearts are only full of gratitude for all that You entrust to us.

Come, let us sing to the Lord;
Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!
For the Lord is a great God,
And a great King above all gods.

You are our great King. Thank You for the gifts You’ve given to us in our children.

Lord, for the little ones You shared with us years ago, and for the beautiful people they have become (too fast!),

Father, we thank You.

For the years, whether one or thirteen–or even fourteen–that they spend walking the halls at our school,

For the countless faculty, staff, and other parents who have helped shape them,

Father, we thank You.

For hurdles and challenges that You used to mold our kids and draw them closer to You,

For the practices and games and competitions and performances that taught our kids to do things with excellence that honors You,

Father, we thank You.

For a sense of humor, because we know You love laughter,

For a kind and tender heart,

For diligence and resilience and a strong work ethic,

Father, we thank You.

[This one is specific for my school but add yours here]

For Coach G’s videos, and Kelli Penn’s chapels, and for Psalm 1 recited by the whole school,

Father, we thank You.

For choosing each one of us to be the parent of a senior in this class,

For the way these relationships have shaped our own hearts,

For the way You have made Yourself felt in our homes,

For the unspeakable honor of raising not only children but fellow brothers and sisters in Christ,

Father, we thank You.

For the way You used this unexpected break to give us 232 bonus hours with our kids,

For the assurance that You cause everything to work together for the good of those who love You,

Father, we thank You.

For every member of the Class of 2020, [name yours here],

Father, we thank You.

We close with some of Paul’s words over our kids. We give thanks always for these seniors because of the grace of God that was given them in Christ Jesus, that in every way they were enriched in Him in all speech and all knowledge so that they are not lacking in any give, as we all wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain all of us tot he end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank You for this year, Father. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus.

Amen.