Happy New Year to our HCS Family! As I write this, we have already embarked upon a new year. We, as a world, are a part of something “new.” As global citizens, we all share the end of one year and the beginning of a new year. From a secular standpoint, there is a rejuvenated hope that comes with a fresh start, or just simply, the desire to have “newness.” We all can appreciate the smell of the inside of a brand-new car or the first look at your new iPhone as you take it from its box.

This got me thinking about the subject of newness and why it is such an attractive idea within our human race. The self-help industry is estimated to grow from $38.2 billion in 2022 to $81.6 billion in 2032 (more than doubling in just a decade). This growth is driven by the increasing focus on personal development, mental well-being, and lifelong learning. In other words, individuals are, more than ever, looking for new ways to live, new ways to think, and new ways to conduct themselves.

As Christians, we need to stay disciplined and be encouraged that God has provided “the blueprint” for everything we need when it comes to personal development, mental well-being and lifelong lessons to learn. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God -breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” God’s Word guides us when we are lost, strengthens us when we are weary, challenges us when we are compromising, and encourages us when we are overwhelmed.

In closing, l encourage every believer that reads this newsletter post, to approach the Word of God each day as if you were opening the box to your new iPhone. To approach scripture with a fresh mind, looking for renewed guidance and instruction from the Holy Spirit. Let’s bring the same excitement that we have for “new” things to our reading of the Bible. May the Lord bless each one of you in a special way this year.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 NIV)

by Kent Goble, HCS School Board Member