This year we have been working to consider afresh our Other Graduation Requirements in our monthly assemblies.
On the first day of school, Mr. Higgins talked about being Watershed Raggants, or people who are characterized by our OGR’s. Sean challenged the students to be as ignorable to the world as a rooftop is to raindrops. And at the roof’s ridge, that raindrop must choose which way to go, but deal with it he must. Other men worked to offer more on the OGR’s:
- In October, I talked about being Stout Image Bearers.
- In November, Mr. Chuck Weinberg talked about being Generous Disciples of Christ.
- In January, Mr. Grant Weinberg talked about being Prodigious Learners.
- In February, Mr. Martin talked about being Copious Producers.
- In March, Mr. Olson talked about being Thankful Stewards.
- In April, Mr. Bowers talked about being Jovial Warriors.
If Mr. Higgins provided one introductory bookend in September, I wish to suggest the other bookend, just in time for the Fundraising Feast.
Watershed Raggants are Formidable Feasters.
This is from Oxford…
formidable: inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable.
From Merriam-Webster…
formidable:causing fear, dread, or apprehension; having qualities that discourage approach or attack; tending to inspire awe or wonder; impressive.
What a glory it would be if that described our feasting.
Of course, this all presupposes the existence of someone to be threatened by our feasting. We know that our enemies exist, but we think of them rarely. Simply considering the devil himself (though he has lots of associates), it is no reach to imagine that he enjoys our feasting about as much as Grendel enjoyed the evening entertainment at Heorot (that is, not much!).
While there’s a lot more to say about each of these, let me me just briefly list what I think the OGR’s have to do with formidable feasting:
Formidable Feasters are STOUT because feasting requires substance of character.
A Formidable Feaster is iron where gluttons are balsa wood. A formidable feaster is a lion when gluttons are little kittens plucked from the bathtub.
Formidable Feasters are GENEROUS because they know that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
If you are selfish, you cannot be a Formidable Feaster. Feasting comes from a generous heart; gluttony comes from a selfish heart. If you come to the banqueting table selfishly, whatever it is that you are doing, it’s not feasting.
Formidable Feaster are COPIOUS because it’s impossible to feast too much.
Copious means “abundant in supply or quantity.” Formidable feasters do it a lot. And while feasting is work, it’s far more work to have the right heart than it is to have the right menu or place settings. The feasting we’re talking about is weaponized receiving – if it’s receiving good gifts in such a way as to show off the Giver of the gifts – can this be done too much?
Feasting is more than eating. Overeating is easy; over-feasting is impossible.
Formidable Feasters are PRODIGIOUS because God’s blessings are great.
Feasting usually involves food, and while fast food has its place, it does not require the same level of feasting copiousness that is required of Tri-tip, chicken, psalm singing, coffee, dessert, and more singing. Receiving these well involves some skill, muscle, and care.
Formidable Feasters are THANKFUL because they understand grace.
Just as the generous man knows it is more blessed to give than to receive, so the Formidable Feaster recognizes that his thankfulness is itself a gift to the givers.
If you are at a feast full of thankful people, the atmosphere is sweet even if the meal is scanty.
Formidable Feasters are JOVIAL because they know they know that laughter is war.
Joviality will be an outflow of thankfulness and generosity. And without it, the world will not care about our feasting, our receiving, or our efforts to honor God through our feasting. Dour feasting is an oxymoron.
Perhaps this all strikes you as abstract or ethereal. Then please come on May 16 to join the festivities! The springtime Fundraising Feast presents a fresh opportunity to feast formidably. Every year these feasts get better and more potent, and I’m praying that this year’s will continue that trend. Please come to receive with us, to hear about the current state of things at the school, as well as the many evidences of God’s favor we’re enjoying.
The location is Swans Trail Farms. The cost is free. The party starts at 5:30. There’s no childcare available, but students in grades 3-12 will be performing, and they’ll be engaged and fed when they’re not singing.
RSVP to Aisha Bone by May 9: abone@evangelcs.org
Risus est bellum!
Jonathan