That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor. 12:10, NIV

I was certified to teach secondary French and English, but after a planned move to Chicago fell through, my only available position was in a city school teaching kindergarten.

By the second week, I was deep in culture shock. Children resisted naps, some arrived without buttons or socks, and the structure I took for granted in older students simply didn’t exist. Every moment demanded full attention. And on top of that, I had to teach every subject, including music with no training.

When music day arrived, I opened the supply closet only to come face-to-face with a rat. I screamed, bolted down the hallway, and ran outside. Then it hit me: I’d left a room full of kindergartners alone with a rat! I rushed back, heart pounding, only to find them calm and collected. 

“Don’t worry, teacher, we’ll catch the rat!” they said earnestly.

That year became one of the most formative times of my life. 

I introduced a ticket-based behavior system, letting students “shop” on Fridays for items like socks, hats, and small gifts for their families. I gave out sewing kits to moms, encouraging them to mend their children’s coats—and they did. I used consistent, loving discipline. By the end of the year, my students were respectful, kind, and could go anywhere with me.

I returned to secondary teaching after that year, but left with a letter from the principal praising my potential as a kindergarten teacher.

The truth is, I learned more than the children did that year. I learned about culture, accountability, compassion, and the power of gentle guidance. I learned that we are often stretched the most in the places we least expect, and God’s mercy is always there to carry us through.

Dearest Lord, Thank You for Your amazing grace to change us to make a difference for You where You, in Your great wisdom, have placed us. We love you. Amen.

Copyright Cheryl Skid. 

Cheryl is a retired Christian Educators member from Missouri.