THERE

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES

After a long day of traveling, I do not have much capacity to write. But soon, I will, and I know my words will meet me there. 

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DR. GLASS

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I join Kentucky's education community in congratulating Dr. Jason Glass, the next superintendent of Laguna Beach (California) Unified School District. Dr. Glass has played a pivotal role in my academic, personal, and professional development. He is a passionate champion for those he leads, and I was fortunate to learn from him both as a student and employee at the Kentucky Department of Education. Neatly enough, his teaching career began at Hazard High School, just down the road from my office. His impact on our state continues to make a difference in the lives of Kentucky's students. Dr. Glass, Laguna Beach and California are blessed to have you!
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NAP

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES You know something about being an adult? Productivity is subjective. Take a nap. Two hours in my calendar this evening were devoted to just that: napping. That time was not a break from responsibility; it was preparation for it. The kind of work we do takes time, but it also requires clarity, presence, and energy. So I rested. I closed my eyes. I let the noise settle. Rest is not laziness. It is not avoidance. It is part of the process. The body needs fuel, the mind needs quiet, and the spirit needs space. I have to be awake enough to think clearly. So take it from me: rest via naps, take a walk, or do whatever you need to be ready to return to the busyness. You are not a machine. You are a person. And people need rest.
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EASTER

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES We enjoyed our morning at Hampton United Methodist Church! I woke up late and left the house late, but I still managed to make it right on time. Christ Jesus died for those of us who come barrelling into the church parking lot on Sunday mornings, imperfect humans who fall short every day yet recognize the beauty of His glory and the ways He works things out for our good. This Easter, I am grateful for the past year of dedicating my life to Him, allowing Him to work through me as His hands and feet, caring for the least of these, and striving to live out my faith. I often joke that I was born in Kentucky the first time but born again in Illinois at the Chicago Temple. My message to you is clear: Christ Jesus loves you and has plans for your life. Look past the noise in our world and step into a relationship with Him, because your salvation is yours to claim. There is nothing better!
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