Headmaster's Blog

It wasn’t that they hadn’t traveled overseas before – almost all of them had. It wasn’t that they hadn’t seen the best our culture has to offer – many had been on ski trips, beach vacations, had been to the most impressive shopping and sporting venues. What changed them? It was the stunning realization that the most impoverished people they had ever encountered were more grateful and joyful, more full of peace and contentment than they were. As they shared their experiences from their mission trip to Central America with their peers, they struggled to retain their composure. They realized that they weren’t going to save the world by going on this service trip, rather they came back moved by the realization that service transformed them more than the other way around.

We may wonder after a holiday season of gifts, abundant food, leisure, travel, and more, why our children still struggle with contentment with their lot in life – perhaps becoming anxious and uneasy? After all, haven’t we given them everything, paved the way for their happiness?

Each year, our students choose a Bible verse of the year – something relevant that will inspire them. This year they chose Philippians 4:6 which begins “Do not be anxious about anything…” and then goes on to encourage us to pray with gratitude, despite difficult circumstances – which results in indescribable peace. We’re reminded that it’s not our surroundings, our affluence, or our comfort that brings satisfaction – it’s the attitude from within and the dependence on God above that relieves anxiety and brings joy.

Service has a powerful way of teaching this truth. When students step outside themselves and give of their time, energy, and hearts, they begin to understand that gratitude is a choice and that joy is not dependent on circumstances. Providing our children with opportunities to serve — especially when they may initially be skeptical — is a gift to treasure. In doing so, we offer them something far greater than comfort: a transformed perspective that fosters peace, contentment, and joy that can sustain them for a lifetime.

A new year brings new opportunities to serve — within our families, our community, and beyond. When we do, we open ourselves to the same realizations our students are discovering: that gratitude is a choice, joy is not dependent on circumstances, and peace is found when we live with hearts turned toward others.

Happy New Year!

Dr. Jim Cianca

January 2026 | Northeast Cobb Neighbors magazine