by Chris and Patsy Hall
Chris and Patsy Hall are founding members of MHA, with their children among the school’s early graduates. They have faithfully served the school as a board member and staff member, and now enjoy the blessing of being grandparents.
Our “best season of life” arrived six years ago with the news of our daughter’s pregnancy and our launch into the adventure of grandparenting. How excited we were to celebrate our first Grandparents Day with our granddaughter, Sophia, in Kindergarten this year! This is yet another milestone in our transition from active laborers in the mission of Mars Hill Academy to joyful, engaged supporters.
We remember Mars Hills’ first public informational meeting when a leader in classical, Christian education — the then-Superintendent of Logos Tom Garfield — shared that if we applied the classical method with the centrality of Christ in every subject, we would graduate young men and women who think clearly and listen carefully with discernment and understanding; who reason persuasively and speak precisely; who are capable of evaluating all human knowledge and experience in the light of the Scriptures; and who do so with eagerness in joyful submission to God. And, then they will provide grandchildren! (Well, we may have added that last part.) We have seen the fulfillment of this vision in our own children, and now to experience it extending to our grandchildren is grace upon grace!
It is with near endless delight that we watch our granddaughter joyfully learning so much and see her art displayed on the walls of the school. It melts our hearts to listen to her recite the same phonograms, hymns, and Scriptures that her mother and Uncle Brian did. We love how the school nurtures her as she grows in Christ. We are grateful for the compassion of her teachers and the fellowship of her classmates. Her experience gives us hope and confidence that the same will come to her younger sisters. Because of these blessings, this season of life as grandparents at MHA is full of joy as we witness God’s glory on display.
Grandparenting the children of an MHA graduate is a true delight. It is an achievable goal! We encourage families to come alongside their children as they set their sights and stay the course. With patience and providence, blessings will follow.