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"The Myth of Greener Grass"

By:Timothy J. Hillen, President
Briarcrest Christian School
6000 Briarcrest Avenue, Memphis, TN 38120
Number of years in education: 31
Number of years in administration: 21

I suspect one of the most profound truisms of my administrative career is learning that "the grass is not actually greener" somewhere else. One of the great temptations of Christian school administrators is to believe that you will be more loved, more respected and appreciated, and more highly compensated in your next administrative position than you are in the present one. Generally speaking, this is simply not the case.

Many of us have fallen into the mental trap of believing that things will get substantially better if we move on to a new administrative ministry. Make no mistake about it --- your next position will have its share of micro-managing board members, unappreciative employees, complaining parents, unruly students, and countless debates and disagreements about philosophy, policies, and procedures.

This analysis sounds rather pessimistic, doesn't it? Let me say, however, that I am extremely positive about the pessimism that we face in our Christian school administrative careers. This attitude was born out in a recent gathering of Christian school administrators. When asked if they regularly felt unloved, under-appreciated, under-compensated, etc., they responded with a resounding, collective "yes." However, when asked if they would have pursued a similar path if they had the opportunity to "do it all over again," they responded with a more resounding, collective "yes."

In other words, those called to serve as Christian school administrators have learned that contentment comes with serving the Lord in significant ways, regardless of actual or perceived ill treatment. You see, experienced Christian school administrators know that their counterparts are probably facing similar challenges elsewhere. Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that there is never a time to end one ministry and move on to another. To the contrary, when the Lord leads you to another Christian school administrative position, follow His leadership. I am simply saying that believing "greener grass" awaits you might not provide proper motivation for a change.

In any event, never allow the current difficulties of your present circumstances to rob you of the joy of serving the Lord effectively. Serve Him with gladness and to the best of your abilities.

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