In the small town of Highland, Arkansas, there is a school. Inside this school there is a husband and wife by the name of Greg and Hope Bruner. They are the lead band directors of Highland School District. They have served this community for many years. They are extremely dedicated to the task of pulling out of students more than they ever thought they could possibly accomplish on their own. They are highly respected by the administration and the parents of past and present students.
Each fall they hold a meeting with the parents and students who desire to enter this band program. These parents and students have no idea what is ahead. The students, who are usually middle school students from fifth grade, are about to meet this couple. During this first meeting, Michelle and I, who are Band Boosters, help hand out pizza and soda pop to the families.
The Bruner’s explain in detail the hard work that lies ahead for their child, not just in the program but at home when they must practice a set number of minutes daily. The expectations are high and non-negotiable.
Michelle and I have the privilege of driving the band all over Arkansas and other states to compete. We get to witness firsthand what these two directors have accomplished with the kids and how they have shaped the character and integrity of these once middle school fifth graders. In our lives, we have never met more polite and respectful students! But even beyond that, 4A State Champions repeatedly. The music these students produce is like a symphony orchestra you would pay good money to hear. As we sit in the audience at the competitions our mouths open in awe. Then at the end we hear the words, “and first place goes to… Highland!” The students jump up and scream and celebrate!
But most of all what I want to share with you is the godly character and integrity this couple is able, with God’s help, to pour into these students into in a few short and fast paced years. They literally spend years of developing a fifth-grade student, just out of elementary school, into a graduating senior ready to face more than they believed they ever could. They help mold them into successful young adults who take what this couple taught them and uses it to guide their future to become responsible productive citizens in the communities they will live in.
The Bible teaches us that being men and women of God means striving to be the character of Christ showing love, humility, patience, and forgiveness in our lives. It calls us to be of integrity, honesty in our actions and words, so that we reflect Christ to those around us. Colossians 3:23 encourages us to work “as unto the Lord,” reminding us that our daily tasks and responsibilities should be approached with excellence, as if we are serving Christ Himself. The Bruner’s instill excellence from these kids. It is in there and when the kids discover they have it, they are so incredibly thankful to have the Bruner’s in their lives. They have tasted what God does through this couple.
When God calls us to step out of our comfort zone and get in the game, our faith in Him allows us to accomplish what we thought was impossible. Esther risked her life for her people, Moses confronted Pharoh, David took on a giant and overthrew him, Samson overtook the Philistines, Deborah led Israel to victory over the Canaanites. The list is long.
God empowers us to accomplish more than we ever believed we could. He uses the Bruner’s to encourage students to achieve more than they ever thought possible, and they do. Last night at the state concert championship they once again heard those words, “and first place goes to… Highland!” Under their care and instruction, our very talented band was named State Champions! God can and will do that for you too, if you will put your faith and trust in Him and answer His call to serve Him daily, in any way he chooses. Now go and bear fruit for Jesus!
Jim Everett
