Recently, I came across a definition of God suggested by the nineteenth century theologian, Adam Clarke. Of all things, it moved  me to  think about  Thanksgiving.

In the summer months of my growing up years, sitting in the shade of a tree or feeling the warm breeze of an oscillating fan, I spent many a long afternoon reading. Weekly readings were gathered from the school book club and from the local library (which required a weekly two and a half mile bicycle ride to fill my basket). Afternoons were filled with mystery, people of long ago, men and women who lived in the White House, and characters who, by their adventures, captured my imagination.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of this habit of attention. It is..."within the reach of everyone and should be made the primary object of all mental discipline"; for whatever the natural gifts of the child, it is only so far as the habit of attention is cultivated in him that he is able to make use of them.

Charlotte Mason, Home Education, 146

Parents choose a faith-based school for their children for different reasons. Often there is the desire to expose their children to positive influences and to protect their children from exposure to negative culture.

Sometimes there are struggles, “I sent my child to a Christian school so he would not be exposed to behavior like this.” In a group of believers, we assume that everyone will be kind and loving, and we are disappointed when this is not the case.

Haul out the holly;
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.
Fill up the stocking,
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas[1]