And every afternoon we list the good gifts of the day and bless His name.

Sing to the LORD and bless His Name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations and His wonders among all peoples. Psalm 96:2–3

Wow. There is such a beauty in before-classes and after-classes chapel every single day. The liturgy pounds into my soul the good news of His salvation. The candles are lit, the students are still, and we all rest in His goodness.

And really, the rest of the day is spent with giggling squirming poking dancing yawning thirteen-year-olds from so many nations who spend a lot of time lining up in narrow hallways and marching up and down three flights of stairs as they struggle to absorb this culture of rigorous academic, social and moral instruction, not only memorizing the times tables and figures of speech but also learning how to properly shake hands firmly and with good eye contact and to bless those who curse them.

Jesus taught us, saying: ‘But I say this to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly. To anyone who slaps you on one cheek, present the other cheek as well; to anyone who takes your cloak from you, do not refuse your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for property back from someone who takes it. Treat others as you would like people to treat you.’ Luke 6:27–31

May each of us be listening.