I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Teaching brings me joy. I look forward to going to work each day. There is joy in watching a student understand something for the first time or seeing one child encourage another. These moments remind us that joy can often be found in the little things woven throughout our day.
But there are also days when joy feels harder to find. Many of us have taught students who challenge us deeply. Those situations can leave us feeling frustrated, discouraged, and even drained. In those moments, when I cry out to God, He gently reminds me to stop focusing so intently on what is difficult and to notice the joy He has placed around me.
This year, I have a student who is one of the most joyful children I have ever met. She smiles all day and speaks kindly to those around her. Sometimes, while she is working quietly at her desk, she will glance up, smile, and wave at me. Other times, when the classroom feels chaotic and loud, she will catch my eye, smile, and wave again.
She has no idea how much that simple gesture means to me.
Her little wave has become a reminder from God. It reassures me, restores my perspective, and helps me remember why He called me to teach.
Dear educator, focus on those joyful reminders. Notice the student who tries again after failing, the child who offers kindness to a classmate, and the times when God strengthens you for the work He has called you to do. Do not let the hard things take deeper root than the good things God is growing around you.
Dear Lord, thank You for giving us joyful reminders during the day, often right when we need them the most. Help me look for the little things that surround me. Thank You for leading me into this ministry of teaching. Help me to be a light to those around me. Help others see the joy that You bring into my life. Amen.
Copyright Eva Rogers.
Eva Rogers is a Christian Educators member, a kindergarten teacher in Tennessee, and the author of Morning Uplift: 30 Days of Encouragement for Women to Start Their Day.
One Response
Amen 🙏🏽 What a “Beautiful “ testimony and a way of explaining the verse !!!! That’s why you were hand picked by GOD to become an TEACHER 🙌🏾👏🏾💃🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💫♥️