I sit. I watch. I listen.
“My mom told me how to do this, but it’s not working.”
“Want some help?”
“No. I’ll try again.”
Seven minutes later and this shoe is still not tied.
Every day, I spend seven hours with some of the best kids on earth. They are smart, fun, and bright. They say the funniest things, and best of all, the Lord has used them to teach me about His love all year long. Here’s some of the best nuggets from the year so far:
1. Shoe tying: My students insist on trying to tie their shoes on their own. I sit there, offering tip and pointers, trying to help. I think, as I watch, that this is totally what the Father does for us. Sometimes, I sit in my mess, trying to hustle and fix my problems and my sin on my own. He waits with patience and love, longing for me to come to Him. Then, He willingly offers His help, His direction, and His love. I finally give up and sit at His feet. He changes my stress into peace, my confusion into certainty, and my sadness into joy. I come to my Father and He always ties my shoes.
2. Hugs: My students are seriously some of the most loving kids you will ever meet. They come to my classroom each morning and shower me with such love! I understand why Jesus wanted the little children to come to Him in the Bible. It is so sweet to be needed and loved by them. I will gladly accept any chance to comfort them when they cry, rejoice with them, and hug them goodbye before they get on the bus. And this love is such a small glimpse of the glorious love that the Father has for us all.
3. Discipline: I am not a parent, but I have to disciple my students at school. And it’s the worst. They fight, they argue, they make bad choices. I do not have any joy in write ups, behavior conferences, or conversations about what choices they make. And I want so much for them! God disciplines us for our own benefit. He wants good for us and has good for us! He wants us to be close to Him. He is not a god that takes pleasure in punishment or downfall, but works all things together for the good of those who love Him. And even when I fall, and make mistakes, my loving Father longs for me to run back into His arms.
As I prepare for the World Race, I really want to remember all the Lord has taught me this year. I want to have an open heart to all the new things He will show me. I want to take his love to the tribes and nations and I want for all creation to know how deep, how wide, and how great His love really is.
As I prepare for departure on the World Race, one of my biggest challenges is raising financial support. Please prayerfully consider partnering with me in this ministry. If you feel called to donate, see the “Donate!” button at the top of the blog page! Thank you! Please continue to pray for me and my team. Please pray that the Lord would take us deeper into our relationships with Him and prepare us for ministry. Please be in prayer for the places we will go and for the people we will meet on the World Race.
