School. What images come to mind when you think of school?
I still remember chalk boards and overhead projectors, which have been replaced by dry erase boards and smart boards. Some things I don’t expect to change are the need for paper, pencils, and pens. Textbooks. The familiar rhythm of a class schedule.
When I was in school we had tornado drills and fire drills. Now students have drills about how to handle a school shooting. Our world is quickly becoming a more chaotic and violent place. Sometimes we can feel helpless to stand against the changes. But we must.
While it is important to be aware of potential danger, it is also important to maintain a sense of hope. Matthew 10:16 advises us to be as “wise as serpents and as harmless as doves.” Psalm 147:11 tells us that “the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
James 3:1 tells us that God holds teachers to a higher standard than those taught. Let’s commit to pray for teachers this year, as well as others who work in the education system. Janitors, bus drivers, administrators, paraprofessionals, nurses…and a host of other behind-the-scenes people…strongly affect student’s desire to be in school and to learn.
And while you are praying for teachers and students, let them know it! You’d be amazed to learn how much knowing they are being prayed for can help teachers and students be strong and courageous.
De Colores!
