What’s to Become of Them?
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:5-7
After subbing for a third-grade class for several days, my focus has changed. I have watched them take tests, read aloud, write creatively, work on cursive handwriting, candle 12 chicken eggs, go to recess, study multiplication tables and struggle with word problems, leave for Spanish, music, art, robotics, and computer class, and the days have been very full.
I care but I don’t really care about the grades they’ll receive in all these classes. For a retired teacher to make a statement like that, you must be thinking there is something seriously wrong with me. No, I have concluded that book learning is necessary but there are far more important things to teach and talk about.
Knowing Jesus is the most important. When children yearn to be closer to Jesus, they are more likely to be successful and survive whatever life throws at them. Regardless of what happens, they are more likely to cling to the Bible verses they’ve memorized, sing a praise song they learned in music class, and earnestly pray for others. To teach children how to rely on Him is not found in a text book. I truly care what happens to each one of these kids.
Many times I find myself asking; “Would that make Jesus smile?” In most cases it is answered with a ‘no’ response. That is when the real teaching takes place. “What does God’s Word say about…?”
I do want them to do well and get good grades, but I also want them to understand that by being obedient, they are going to feel more confidence and find success. Personally, I would rather see a child with self-assurance than one all tied up in knots about their grades.
Children watch adults with rapt attention. Do we say what we mean and mean what we say or are we just making noise?
Every day pray that God will let my time in the classroom mean something to Him and to the children. Please help me make a difference!
Heavenly Father, thank You for the children. Use me in whatever way You believe will reach into the hearts of these kids. Help me to live in a way that exemplifies You. Increase my memory skills using Your Words. AMEN.