Always a Student

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139: 23-24

Sunday, after children’s church, I felt defeated. Even Though there were only five children, the class didn’t go as I planned. Whenever I have an issue or incident when teaching my class, I always reflect upon it. What did I do wrong, how can I manage it better next time? Some people view the children as the problem. However, in most cases, there’s things the teacher or parent can do to better manage the problem in the future. 

I examine if the incident was poor planning, issues in the environment, unmet needs in the children, or other circumstances? Sunday, the challenge was because of poor planning on my part. I was not prepared for an active 5-year old who came to class, and also, another new 5- year old who came to Children’s church. I had planned and prepared with older children in mine. Plus, I thought the upstairs A/C was working but it was too warm (environment). Along with other circumstances (unmet needs in the children)!

All of this created problems. At the end of church, I felt defeated and that I didn’t manage the class well. Looking back, I could see changes I need to make next time and also individuals I needed to apologize to (which I did).  What I’ve learned over the years, teaching and parenting is like a classroom. We can always learn, change, and improve. We will have “incidents” but we can always grow from them. If we point to the child, life circumstance or environment as the problem, we will become bitter and want to give up. 

We can thank God for allowing the “testing” in our lives to reveal our weaknesses and help us grow and mature. We can commit each day to Him and ask for His help and guidance along the way. He is the Good Shepherd and Divine Teaching Coach! 

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to guide me and teach me. Cleanse my heart from sinful and selfish ways. Fill me with your patience and love for the children in my life. May your joy be my strength. 

 In Jesus name I pray and believe, Amen.