Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37–39, NIV
Unblemished, waxed floors. Pristine, sparkling windows. Shiny, smudge-free furniture. Fresh, clean air. All drawing you in for what is to come. This experience is always one of my favorites. There is something about the start of a new school year that melds into our hearts and minds. New beginnings and new adventures yet to be discovered. And this adventure is not meant to be experienced alone. There is joy in sharing it with others—those God has placed in our lives—in His perfect wisdom and timing.
Why would you want to do this, though? Isn’t it easier just to go into your classroom, do your own thing, and get the job done? While there are true benefits to the “nose to the grindstone” along with the “I work best alone” mentality, unfortunately, taking this approach can cause exhaustion, burnout, and exasperation. Many times, this leads to just wanting to throw in the towel and call it quits. We see this far too often in education. But the truth is, we are not meant to do life alone here on earth, including in our classrooms.
So, as the floors gleam and the windows shine, let them be more than just signs of a fresh start. Let them be reminders that we were never meant to journey alone. Choosing community over isolation and collaboration over independence is not only beneficial for our own well-being, but also a reflection of the calling we’ve been given: to love and serve those around us. When we intentionally invest in the people God has placed beside us—our colleagues, our students, and our school community—we create a space where joy multiplies, burdens are shared, and the work becomes not just sustainable, but deeply meaningful. This school year, let’s “love our neighbors” well, beginning right where we are.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving us a fresh start and new opportunities at the beginning of each school year. Help us to open our eyes that we may see the steps you want us to take and people we are to build new and meaningful relationships with. May You be glorified and magnified in the beginning and through the end of everything that happens this school year. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Copyright Jenni Lou Jackson.
Jenni Lou is a Christian Educators member, former middle school language arts teacher, and children’s ministry director in Kentucky.
