Mindy Lee Hopman

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)

When change is on the horizon, and the unknown is looming ahead, you try to soak in every moment of your present.

You watch with open eyes.
You savor every conversation.
You hold hands longer.
You give hugs.

And, you let people know how you feel…

You let parents know how much you have enjoyed teaching their children… not only for one year, but throughout the years.  The children whose lives you have “poured into” and loved as your own when each one walked through the classroom doors.  The children whose lives you have helped shape, and who have helped to shape yours.

You hug your students – especially those whose moms are far away to give daily hugs.  You hug the students who have grown under your leadership and instruction in the classroom and CCC, and have found a relationship with God through Bible study.  You encourage them and you continue to cheer them on as their biggest fan.  And they remind me, as I have reminded them for years, “Once a part of the MVA family, always a part of the MVA family, Mrs. Hopman!”

You let your colleagues, who are all now friends/family, know how much you enjoyed every minute of serving with them.  From the daily teaching of the best educational practices with the hopes of creating life-long learners, to rolling up our sleeves and serving side-by-side in tournaments, events, and celebrations.  You let these incredible people know how much they mean to you, how grateful you are for loving your children as their own, and you treasure the memories.  We have lived life well together… and I am grateful.

You thank the man who believed in your husband so many years ago to this very day…The man who invited him to interview at this once tiny boarding school when we were getting ready to have our first child.  The man who over the course of the past thirteen years placed both of us in positions to help us grow – preparing us for the next step.

Words cannot express appreciation found deep within the heart. 

And then you trust.  You rest in His loving embrace as you are prayerfully supported by your church family and Academy family.

You hold fast to the One who holds you in the palm of His hand…

Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

You can’t see with your eyes, but you know in your heart…

…in order to take the next step, you must leave the step you are on.

So we trust Him, hold fast to the truth, and look forward with hope.

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him– 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

In the next few months this leg of our journey will come to an end, and we will begin a new one…

So today I am looking ahead with eyes wide-open, because I have lived fully right where I am, and my heart is overflowing with gratitude. 

Basking in His Light

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