Doing Hard Things
Summer is a wonderful time to step away from the traditional school routine and enjoy a break. Yet even though we’re out of the classroom, learning shouldn’t stop and neither should the opportunity to do hard things. In fact, summer often gives us the freedom and time to take on challenges outside our usual comfort zones. This summer, our family embraced that opportunity. We finally tackled some serious outdoor rock climbing for the first time and took our first backpacking trip together. Both experiences were hard. They weren’t comfortable, and many times we found ourselves asking, “What were we thinking? This is hard!” But ultimately, we knew the answer: not only were we building memories as a family, but we were also modeling for our kids what it looks like to face challenges and experience the deep reward of doing something difficult. These moments reminded us, and hopefully instill in them, that real growth happens when we step out of our comfort zone and lean into challenge. The results were incredible, unforgettable stories and the joy of watching our kids come alive in new and different ways.
We live in a culture that often prioritizes comfort and convenience. Isn’t it funny, though, how much we resist doing hard things? We whine, we complain, and we look for shortcuts, often wishing life were just easier. Yet when we finally complete something difficult, we can’t help but celebrate it (our post-backpacking Frostys and McFlurries proved that!). There’s a deep sense of joy and fulfillment that comes when we conquer a challenge that once felt overwhelming. Whether it’s finishing a tough project, conquering a fear, or stepping into the unknown, those uncomfortable moments often become the accomplishments we’re most proud of and talk about far more than anything “easy” we’ve achieved. Doing hard things stretches us, builds confidence, and takes us to heights (sometimes literally, in the case of rock climbing) that we never imagined reaching. Those heights lead not just to accomplishment but also to gratitude and lasting joy. It’s the “I never thought we could make it, do it, or finish that” moments that become the stories we cherish most.
At Front Range Christian School, we want our students to experience that same truth. We hope they not only face challenges but also learn to choose them. We know that ultimate growth happens in the stretching moments, that resilience is forged in difficulty, and that joy often follows perseverance. This is a careful balance, we never want students to feel crushed by failure, but rather to see it as a natural and necessary part of learning. Our goal is not perfection but progression, helping each student reach their God given design and unique potential. By learning that failure is okay and that progress is the true goal, students develop confidence, grit, and the skills they need for life. Importantly, practicing perseverance in safe, guided ways, whether through a challenging assignment or a demanding project, builds a foundation for the unchosen hard things life will bring. When those trials come, students can lean on the resilience, language, and faith they’ve developed to navigate them well. This is what education should ultimately be about, preparing students not only for academic success but training them for life, equipping them to embrace challenge with wisdom, courage, and trust in God. Before the summer ends, I challenge you to do something hard as a family whether physical, intellectual, or spiritual and experience together how doing hard things creates memories that shape your family in powerful ways.
