Welcoming the children

He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”~Mark 9:36-37

Sometimes I can forget the gravity of my job as an educator.  Being a teacher is so much more than the curriculum, policies, and procedures of my classroom or building.  Being a teacher, in our schools and in our homes, places us on the front lines of welcoming the Father through our children.  

When we reach out to those who are our most vulnerable, to those who are seeking guidance, we must do so with an open heart and with love. We must look beyond what we see with the human eye and look at each of them with spiritual discernment.  

These are our children.  They are from all different races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, and cultural experiences. They are our children and they are God’s children and we must welcome them.  We must love them.

We must remain open to the hope of who they will become in Christ Jesus.  We must plants seeds of righteousness in them.  We must cultivate the principles of God’s word in their lives.  We must love each of them with sincere hearts.  We must embrace them.  

Yes, times have changed.  Today’s classroom looks different than it did when I grew up.  I am shocked and saddened by what I hear from the mouths of babes.   Their innocence is being stripped by what they are exposed too. And sadly, we must take the blame for some of it as a community.  However, we still have an opportunity and a responsibility to expose them to Christ.  To welcome them with open arms just like our Father has done for each of us.  

Father, please bless our children. Forgive me for the times when I have backed away, throwing up my hands instead of praying for abs with those in my charge.  May I embrace your children as I embrace You.  May my love for them soften hearts just as you have tenderized mine.  May I be sensitive and obedient to your word. In Jesus name I pray.  Amen