“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 ESV).
Our classrooms and school office are hectic today, especially this afternoon. Today our students in grades 1 to 4 begin their special swimming and art classes. Today is the day teachers and children have been looking forward to for many weeks. But today is also the day the bus driver thinks she is scheduled for next Tuesday.
As 12:10 p.m. arrives, our transportation isn’t here. There is major disappointment because the school bus is a no-show. What to do? What to do? Children and teachers are lined up in the hall waiting impatiently. Phone calls are hurriedly made but no response. More waiting. More phone calls are made but everyone at the bus office must be out to lunch. What to do, what to do? Today, all the waiting and phone calls will not get the bus here in time. Hopes of a fun afternoon are crushed, tears are shed, and explanations are made to the students who are still at school and parent chaperones waiting at the pool.
Called to Serve
As Lutheran educators, administrators, and support staff, we understand that we are called to serve our students and families as Christ has served us. But it’s days like the one above that challenge us, as we have to share the tough news that will certainly disappoint others. It’s sometimes difficult to serve on days when we have worked hard, gone out of the way, made an extra effort to do a special classroom project, or spent extra time after school working with students to make sure they understand how to complete a math assignment.
It’s on days like these that we need to step back, take a deep breath, pray for help, and understand that we are the Christ-light with the privilege of sharing His love with others. Ours is a calling to serve His people through word and actions so that their faith may be encouraged and strengthened. We need to call upon the Holy Spirit daily to keep our faith strong so that we can continue to serve and bring the excitement of our faith to those we encounter daily.
As you go about the busyness of National Lutheran Schools Week, may your time of service to your students bring much joy to you!
