Counselor’s Corner - Thanksgiving 2022 Edition

Dear Teacher,

Last week, in celebration of their 10-year anniversary, Jessica and Seth Erickson embarked on an 11-state road trip to commemorate their big achievement. As part of their journeys, the Erickson slated in a day at Crater of the Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. Arriving Friday morning, the couple began the tedious process of wet sifting, a method used by many guests to search for diamonds. Using two screens, park-goers submerge the screen set in water to wash away the soil. Once the soil is filtered out, the gravel easily separates to make finding diamonds easier. Knowing that 581 diamonds have been registered at Crater of Diamonds in 2022, Jessica and Seth determined to search for goodness.

Time after time, the Chatfield, Minnesota couple submerged their screens and shook. Hour after hour they kept at it, knowing that there was treasure in the depths. Finally, as the morning drew to a close, Seth spotted something metallic-looking in the bottom. With his partner eagerly looking on, Seth drew out a for-real diamond! And it wasn't just any diamond. Seth's miraculous find revealed a true treasure: A 1.9-carat diamond! Seth and Jessica celebrated their success together promptly setting the gem as a new wedding band for his bride Jessica.

And you, there in your classroom, are treasure-seekers with your Partner. Day after day, hour after hour, you sift through the dirt of adverse childhood experiences, unaddressed behavioral issues, and unfair learning difficulties. Tirelessly you submerge yourself in searching out the goodness and separating it from the mess. Your Partner and Fellow Educator anxiously looks on and works alongside you until, at last, you discover treasure in His children! Then, when the gems are revealed, you can celebrate with your Master Teacher in the success that has been discovered by your work.

Thankful for you this Thanksgiving,

Mindy Salyers
Christian School Counselor