It is not just a difficult job. It can be a lonely one. That point was driven home in one of my recent school visits. I asked the head of school if I could have a few words with him in private. We sat down in his office and I asked, “So, John, are you doing okay?” His eyes got a bit moist before he responded, “No one ever asks me that.”

The job can be difficult. The job can be lonely. The job can be stressful.

Last month, I sent this note to the twelve school leaders in my accreditation region:

I am sending a note to each of the twelve heads of school in my region. I don’t want this to take more than sixty seconds of your time. I am just trying to get to know my schools and their leaders a little better.

When I served as superintendent, there were a variety of things that caused anxiety for me. Some of those things: Work/home balance, personnel issues, parent conflicts, board relations, overwhelming job responsibilities, enrollment concerns, accreditation site visits, and more were on my list. I’m sure you could add to this list.

I’m curious what one issue you would identify as causing stress for you. At another time, I will ask you something more positive, but please respond and let me know of one source of anxiety.

Who knows? Maybe I can offer some advice, but if not help, I can at least include it in my prayers for you and your school.

One leader responded, “How about—all of the above?” Others got specific: enrollment concerns, staffing issues, managing class sizes, and more. They all seemed grateful that someone would even ask.

Many stressors eventually just go away. Back in the day, as a school leader, I was wound tightly. Many of the things that stressed me out—suspensions, expulsions, snow days, budget shortfalls, and teacher dismissals—were resolved with a conversation or just time. I used to think that an enrollment of thirty more students would solve my problems, but then realized other schools envied my school’s enrollment. Other times I couldn’t remember, a month later, what it was that had kept me awake at night. Very often, almost always, if someone were to ask me, “Why were you so anxious about that?” I would not have a good answer. I could not remember.

But not always. Not all of the anxiety sources were simple or easily solved and there are a few I can’t forget. So, what about those times? What about the times when the anxiety is caused by things that are not easily resolved. The cliche is not true—time does not heal all wounds.

Those times are the ones in which school leaders must go back to the term “super-tender,” and realize that each of us has God as our super-tender, our good shepherd. The Psalmist tells us, “God leads me beside quiet waters. God makes me lie down in green pastures. God restores my soul.” The Psalmist reminds us of all the things good shepherds do.

But even the best shepherd still allows us to walk through the darkest valleys. A teacher has missed his calling and you have to terminate a contract; a student’s life is lost and you’ll be standing in the auditorium the next day; a fifth grader is sent to the office for acting up, her parents are getting a divorce; an incident on the senior class trip; a father out of control at a football game; a custodian struggling with addiction—those and so many more are valleys our feet must walk through. It is then that we remember, even though the job can be difficult, stressful and lonely, we are never alone. [Y]ou are with me . . . and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:4b–6, ESV).

Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

Reprinted with permission.