For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:9, KJV
He sat, head slumped on top of the computer keys. While the other students were researching African colonies, he sat motionless.
“Michael. Are you sick?”
No answer.
“Are you tired?”
No answer.
Finally, I heard a soft voice, “I’m hungry.”
“You’re hungry? You didn’t eat breakfast?”
I told him I had a granola bar in my book bag and took him into the hall. I handed it to him, but he didn’t eat it.
“I’ll save it,” he said.
“No. You won’t save it. You’ll eat it now while I’m looking.”
He wolfed it down and went back into the computer lab and started his research. As I walked past him while checking on all the students, Michael smiled and said, “I feel better now.”
Educators, I want to remind you today to slow down and try to notice what is going on with your students. If we take time to look and listen, it can make all the difference in how young people perceive school for the rest of their lives.
Michael wasn’t being disrespectful or rebellious. He wasn’t apathetic or indifferent. He was just hungry.
Lord, help me to slow down today to really listen to one need that You have for me to meet as You enable me. Amen.
Copyright Cheryl Skid.
Cheryl is a retired Christian Educators member from Missouri.
