For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10, NLT

Over time, I have learned more about myself by understanding my strengths and weaknesses. This has also helped me learn more about other people and their masterful wiring. As a teacher, I’ve applied what I’ve learned and realized that my students all have different ways of processing the world beyond what the pedagogy of learning types provides. But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that our strengths can also become our weaknesses when applied in excess. With this in mind, I try to better understand my students and colleagues and find ways to harness the power of their strengths to ensure they don’t become a hindrance.

For example, you know that sweet child who helps everyone—how can we ensure that he isn’t putting himself behind with deadlines because he is making sure everyone else is prepared? I’m sure you also know a colleague who always has the perfect idea to bring fun and adventure to school—what happens when this social butterfly over-extends and says yes to every club, sign-up sheet, and fundraiser?

Today, I encourage you to talk to your students and colleagues—God’s masterpieces—and learn more about their personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and goals to help them shine.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your wisdom and the beauty of knowing that we are each a personal masterpiece of Your design with good works to do. Help us to affirm the value of each of our students. Foster a peaceful and safe environment in our classrooms so that we can share the truth about developing skills and giving our best selves to the world without pushing beyond the limits. Holy Spirit, bring us words to have these valuable conversations with the people in our circle of influence. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Copyright Lori Vandeventer.

Lori Vandeventer is a Christian Educators member and a corporation librarian/dual-credit English teacher from Indiana.