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Happy Thanksgiving, MMA family!
As we gather with people to focus on gratitude, let’s count our Academy family as part of our blessings! This journey would be so much more difficult without the benefit of other understanding parents and caring faculty that travel this road with us. Thank you ALL for always pitching in to help one another, share advice, offer comfort or support the corps in a multitude of ways.
For those of us who are able to welcome our boys home, I pray for safe travels, engaging conversations and the warmth of togetherness. When your cadet reflects on his time at MMA, I encourage you to offer him space to feel heard and understood. It’s not easy what these boys are doing (especially compared to their peers at home, to whom they will inevitably draw the comparison). Listen and affirm, but don’t dwell on complaints.
There’s a powerful scripture that says, And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT) Similarly, science suggests that fixing our thoughts on the positive has considerable impact on our well-being, resiliency, outcomes and even health. (Check out this practical article from the renowned Mayo Clinic.) If needed, re-direct your son’s vision to see what he has accomplished and what is truly possible in his future. As parents, we know they were made for a great purpose!
For those families unable to spend the holiday with their sons, know that we love you and will be keeping you and your boys close in our hearts. MMA has some extra fun, sweet care and relaxing downtime planned for them. One more reason to be thankful: our boys are all seen and known by the folks they live with locally.
Upon return to the Academy, this semester will be over before we know it. Our boys have the ability to finish strong, achieve much and revel in what they are able to overcome (their own thinking or habits often being their greatest detriment!) Encourage your son to stay the course, continue learning and rise up to his potential. Trust me when I tell you that I’ve seen many a boy complain during first semester only to cry tears of joy and accomplishment at final formation when the school year ends. It’s incredible what happens over time…
In the meantime, may your families be blessed, and may you know how appreciated you are!
Happy Holiday hugs,
Erin Schreyer
MMA Parents Committee
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