I am blessed with the opportunity to work alongside many inspiring teachers and staff at Dozier Elementary School in Montgomery, Alabama.
My main job is to tutor some of the kids in their reading and spelling skills. Believe it or not, it is a real challenge. Children, especially of the elementary age, are not able to focus and comprehend as much as middle- or high-schoolers can, so my job requires a lot of repetition and patience. Watching some of the teachers who have put in many years of teaching small children, I can see that their nerves and patience are probably not as strong as it used to be when they first started out in the education field. Sure, kids will drive anyone crazy and make them want to pull their hair out, but they also have the ability to make someone (especially teachers) stop and question what really goes on in the small child's life; that's where love and compassion come on the scene. What is really going on in their lives? Are my frustrations hurting or helping them? What can I do to better understand them and help them understand what I am saying?
To answer these questions, you need to stop and think about Jesus and what He and the Bible says about children. Psalms 127:3-4 says,
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.
Children don't see hate unless they grow up in an environment that teaches them hate. Jesus tells us as adults to have a childlike faith. To have a 'childlike faith,' we must grow in the Scriptures and grow in love. Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:20:
Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
We must always be ready to listen and respond with an answer, whether it's easy or not. Children always have an answer and are not afraid to share it. Their filters are not fully developed, and sometimes their responses are silly! But we must be that way as well, as commanded in 1 Peter 3:15:
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you...
So in conclusion, let's be kids again! If you're like me, though, and have to be an adult by going to college and work every day, then take some time out of your busy schedule and talk to a child. Don't let your frustrations show; let them guide you through day-to-day struggles. They are our teachers sometimes. Luckily that is part of my job! Let's have a loving and fun spirit like a child for a little while. t could solve most of the problems in our world and within ourselves!
God bless you all!
