Devotion

Turns out this new church I have been attending also asks members to write a devotional for Lent. So, I agreed again this year. Isaiah 50: 4-9
When I first looked over the scriptures, I was immediately drawn to this one when I saw the word “teacher”. I thought, no problem. I am a teacher and this will be easy to write. Well, here I am one day before it’s due and am just now writing. Sometimes one just needs to wait for the right words to come along.
Everyday we are faced with a challenge. This challenge should be simple to overcome. The way to win this challenge is to set the good example, be the better person, or “kill them with kindness”, as people sometimes say. However, it is not always that simple. We get caught up in the moment. We let our anger control us. We allow ourselves to speak before we think. We forget to “give our back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard.” It is not always easy to “not hide my face from insult and spitting.” Our natural reaction is to attack the person that calls us names or hurts our hearts with words. However, when we don’t give our back, give our cheek, or hide our face we are not following God’s example. We are not being the person that God hoped we would be. Sure, we will fail at this challenge. We will forget how to use our kind words, how to take a deep breath, and let the hurtful words flow off our backs. These are the times when prayer will become our biggest reward. We will ask for forgiveness and we will learn from our mistakes; as we know that everyone makes mistakes.
My natural reaction in the classroom is to fix each problem and fix it quickly. I have learned throughout the years that stepping back and listening is the real lesson I can teach. When children come to me with hurt hearts or tears in their eyes, I want to fix the problem immediately. Instead, my job is to teach the children how to deal with the situation. I now stand close and listen as they use their kind words to explain their hurt, ask for forgiveness, and figure out what can be a better choice in the future. They always end their conversation with a hug, handshake, or high five. We always greet each other each morning with one of those choices. Now, I see these given out freely throughout the day. Maybe as adults we need to try this; especially with those who hurt us. When someone insults us instead of using hurtful words back; try giving them a simple hug. Maybe it’s just what they need.

Dear God,
Help us to lead by your example when we are confronted with difficult situations. Help us to use our kind actions instead of our hurtful words. During the times we might forget, help us to learn from others kind examples. Amen.