A Song in Heaven

I've been stressed by all of the life events that have collided upon my week: two drama play performances, changes at church, student issues, and minor health problems to name a few. The drama performances alone would be enough to stress a person out. It's so tempting during times like these to forego Bible reading, but these are just the times when we must depend completely on God.

This morning I reread a passage in Revelation that has stuck with me for a month or so.

"Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they existed, and were created." Revelation 4:11

This is one of many songs and choral speeches in the Revelation. When I read them, I'm at peace. My stressful week is surmountable when I look to the God whose will created all things. Like thankfulness, praise reverses anxiety.

Showing Compassion

Call it drama, call it bullying. A lack of compassion crops up all too often in school settings. It's tough on teachers, who have to try to stand up for the victim and simultaneously set the aggressor back on the right path. Sometimes outside help is required. It'll make you sick to your stomach and have you wondering why you didn't become a ballerina or a long-haul trucker instead of going into teaching.

We're in good company when we stick with the job and act as peacemakers, though. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."

Jesus himself is our prime example of peacemaking. One of my favorite verses is Mark 6:34:

"When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things."

It's our job to take compassion on those kids who are suffering and in need of an advocate. When Jesus had compassion on the people who followed him around, he didn't stop to ask them if they agreed with his politics or his mode of dress or his leadership style before welcoming them. They were like sheep. They needed him. So he taught them many things.

May God help us to teach and feed and love the unlovable, having compassion on them.

Christmas Lights in My Classroom

Maybe it's because I teach high school and not elementary school, but I have to work hard to motivate myself to decorate my classroom. The only bulletin board in my room is small, and I don't feel obliged to create elaborate, interactive displays and rotate them every few weeks. Not that I don't appreciate a quality bulletin board. Some of my friends in the elementary school are savants at creating appealing wall-art that ties together seasonal motifs and learning goals.

As Christmas approaches, I recently realized it was time to make some decorating decisions in my classroom, too. Time to step up my game. Fortunately, I inherited some strings of colorful lights from my predecessor, and I'd picked up a wreath at a yard sale last summer. My creative writing students cheerfully pitched in to help deck the walls. At home, I hunted through storage until I found a small, porcelain nativity to decorate my classroom bookshelf. It may not sound like much, but for someone who often makes the excuse of being too busy to decorate, I think it looks downright festive.

And my students noticed. One even thanked me for putting up Christmas lights. Who knows why it was important to her, but to me, the lights testify of the joy in my heart because of what Jesus has done for me. I hope my fellow teachers who are too busy to change that bulletin board more than once per semester will consider making Christmas the one time they splurge on decor. Jesus came to earth to save sinners. His love is our light and the reason for our peace. Let's share it.