And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17, NIV
Have you ever looked at an old photograph and wondered, Who were these people? What were they like? What mattered to them?
Recently, a visit to a historic home filled with photographs from generations past got me thinking about those questions. The photographs told stories about what people did, where they worked, and what they accomplished. Yet I found myself wondering about something deeper: If someone were writing beneath my picture years from now, what would I want them to say? That question feels especially meaningful as another school year unfolds.
As educators, we have plenty to accomplish, so much demands our attention. We want to do our jobs well, and we should. But what if, alongside all those responsibilities, we asked ourselves a different question: What will be written beneath my picture?
Maybe it won’t mention the awards we received, the test scores we improved, or the initiatives we completed. Perhaps it will say, She was patient when I was difficult. Or, He always treated me with kindness. Maybe someone will remember the joy we carried into the building, even on difficult days.
As Christian educators, we have something greater to offer than our skills and accomplishments. We have Christ living within us. Galatians 2:20 reminds us, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
This means the ordinary moments of our school day can become opportunities to reflect Him. The difficult conversation. The frustrated student. The overwhelmed colleague. The parent who needs grace. The staff member who simply needs someone to listen. We don’t have to wait for a significant moment to make a difference. Christ can be seen in us through the everyday moments.
So as you begin this school year, perhaps your prayer doesn’t need to be complicated. Before you walk through the doors, whisper, “Lord, let them see You in me today.” Then trust Him with the rest.
One day, someone may look at your picture and wonder what kind of educator you were. My hope is that the words beneath it won’t simply describe what you accomplished, but will somehow reflect the One who lives in your heart.
Lord, as I navigate another school year, help me remember that my greatest opportunity is not simply to do my work well, but to represent You well. In the ordinary moments and the difficult ones, let Your love, patience, kindness, joy, and grace be evident in me. May those I serve encounter something of You through the way I speak, respond, lead, and care. And when I am tempted to focus only on what I need to accomplish, remind me that You are more concerned with who I am becoming and how You are working through me. Let Christ be seen in me today. Amen.
Hear more from Jackie in this related blog post: https://www.victoriouseducator.com/post/what-will-be-written-beneath-your-picture
Copyright Dr. Jackie Minor.
Dr. Jackie Minor is the Director of Victorious Educator Ministries and the author of the newly released book: Taking Jesus to School: The Fruit of the Spirit on Display. You can connect with her or learn more at www.victoriouseducator.com.
