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| Thank you Holly for making us think more deeply about our journey. Come and read more post or link your own post at Holly's blog on Thursdays! |
“How I treat a brother or sister from day to day, how I react to the sin-scarred wino on the street, how I respond to interruptions from people I dislike, how I deal with normal people in their normal confusion on a normal day may be a better indication of my reverence for life than the antiabortion sticker on the bumper of my car.”
― Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out
When I was reading through the quotes by Brennan Manning, this above quote really hit home. I have been back to school for four days (no students yet just tons of meetings and PD). There are changes in staff, procedures, curriculum, room assignments etc. How do I respond to these changes?
There are some students that have transferred to other schools, students who are returning after being gone for a few years, and brand new students coming who do not speak any English. How do I respond to them?
We have to talk about data and scores at school. Who are your bottom 30 (%)? That seems to be the most common phrase that I have heard in connection with student data. How do I respond to the teachers that are overwhelmed by the demands to change and show better scores?
What is my response to these and many other difficult circumstances, situations and people, will often tell others the story of my faith as well. Am I able to show God's love and respond with love even when I get tired and frustrated? Am I able to offer words of encouragement and sprinkles of joy when they are most needed?
I am thinking that this school year, I need to make sure that I know how to respond. I need to be ready. I need to get ready by walking closer to Jesus as there is no way that I can respond the right way without wisdom from Him. So, this school year, I want to value life by being an encourager and joy spreader!
This line hit home for me:" Am I able to offer words of encouragement and sprinkles of joy when they are most needed?" It's so easy to fall into complaining or negativity when others are discouraged or overwhelmed. I am convicted by this question. I need to respond with encouragement and joy to the stressors that school can bring. Thank you, Jaana, for this great post!
ReplyDeleteSometimes responding in a positive way is so difficult, especially when we have given and given and think we just can't give enough - or what we do give isn't good enough. I love the idea of being a joy spreader! Very uplifting post.
ReplyDeleteI have so much to say on this...I'm challenged by similar circumstances and have the same struggles. Like Holly, the "...words of encouragement & sprinkles of joy" line struck me. I'm up for the challenge. Let's keep each other in prayer as we go forward into this school year! I'm so grateful for this link-up and for your wisdom and words!!
ReplyDeleteBeing a joy spreader! Sounds like a great goal, but it can be difficult in the data driven climate. I start by not complaining. When my colleagues complain, I nod, but I don't participate. We need to build each other up and support our colleagues in the struggle.
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