Going
back to school…it’s the time that inevitably comes every year. I’ve already started having the dreams of an
uncontrollable class, not being prepared, etc.
lol
My very
favorite part of each new year, though, is when I go to start getting my
classroom ready. It’s quiet, not very
many people are around, and there’s a sense of calmness. The first thing I do each year is arrange the
25 little desks and then spend the time going by each desk and praying for that
child. I don’t know if there will be a
boy or girl sitting there. I don’t know
their names. I don’t know their
background academically, socially, or home lives. Regardless of me not knowing them, the Lord
has known since before time that our paths needed to cross: That there is
something to be gained from our time together.
So I pray for them.
I pray that
the Lord will open their minds in order to learn new things. I pray that the Lord will ease their
anxieties and fears. I pray that they
will have friends. I pray that they will
learn to do what’s right. I pray that
they will thrive throughout the year and make notable progress. But I also pray that the Lord will open their
hearts. Open their hearts to see and
feel Him working and moving in their lives.
Open their hearts to hear His voice and answer His calls. Open their hearts to be a witness and light
to others. Open their hearts to be more
like Him.
I pray at my
own desk. I pray that the Lord will let
me love them even in the times they are unlovable. I pray that He will let me get to know each and
every little soul and their families and see them for who they are: Your beautiful creation, whom You are pleased with. I pray for patience when correcting behavior,
calming fears, and teaching new skills.
I pray that His love will shine through me so evident that they can’t
help but notice. I pray that He will
show me why He intended my path to specifically cross every one of theirs and
give me the strength and wisdom to help them on their journey.
Sometimes
those dreams *nightmares* J do
come true and there are days that seem uncontrollable, but I know that my joy
doesn’t come from having the perfect classroom: my joy comes from within, from
Him. So even on the days where I may
want to pull my hair out, I can wear a genuine smile, have a genuine peace, and
know that His name is going to triumph because I’ve dedicated my classroom to
Him.
“In
everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness,
and soundness of speech…”
Titus
2:7-8 NIV
