I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14, NIV

One school day, I walked into a fourth-grade classroom to check on someone and found the class eating Oreos. They all seemed happy and chatty. I asked the teacher what the occasion was, thinking perhaps the class had earned a treat for some achievement. The teacher shared with me that one of the boys in the class was celebrating a birthday—no paper plates, no fancy napkins or balloons, just Oreos, straight from the bag. Yet, this boy was beaming. 

I was familiar with his family’s history and knew that the mother could not have afforded that treat for her son’s class. Yet, this first-year teacher had considered this boy, and all the others, special, and bought the cookies himself. 

God specially designed each child in your classroom. Take the time to thank Him for their unique qualities, and look for opportunities to show them how special they are. Consider what counts with them and what makes them feel accepted and a part of the group. It may be simpler than you had thought. Think about ways to honor each child on birthdays or when they have made an achievement. Sometimes, those with the lowest self-image need you to find creative opportunities for them to shine before their classmates. Remember that when you honor each child because of his or her uniqueness, you honor his or her Creator as well.

Lord, please help us to overflow with love and joy for others because we have felt and known Your great love. Thank You that we can feel Your joy in our hearts. Amen.

Copyright Shirley Wilson.  

Shirley is a retired Christian Educators member and a former board member of Christian Educators.