LEAven Blog

Sometimes it’s nice to look at something from a different perspective other than my own. I have enjoyed talking about fall leaves and colors with two new staff members from Texas. They are amazed by the brilliant colors that can be found in the trees right now in the Midwest. Their version of fall is for leaves to turn brown and fall to the ground. My eyes have seen the leaves change colors before they fall more than 50 times. I’m not going to say that it’s boring, but if I’m being honest, it doesn’t amaze me. This isn’t even a ‘good year’ for color. Hearing them be excited and talk about taking pictures to send to family has made me take another look.

Even in a muted year, the leaves really are beautiful. How blessed we are to see this different form of rainbow; this different promise from God. A promise of renewal and of winter rest for the trees. The promise of winter and a new, green spring a few months later. Experiencing changing seasons really is a blessing. It made me think, “What else do I need to look at with eyes of faith instead of my own tired eyes?” Which students need me to step back and look again? To marvel at God’s creation instead of questioning His choices? To see the color that God adds to the world through them instead of the itchy, crunchy brown that I secretly think they are?

I always find it encouraging to read Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” It makes me feel loved, important, and special. What happens when I pray this verse with a particularly troublesome student in mind? “I praise You because Brad is fearfully and wonderfully made,” or “I praise You because Grace is fearfully and wonderfully made.” If I am willing to accept that God’s works are wonderful when I’m thinking of myself, shouldn’t I also accept that His works are wonderful when I’m thinking of my students? How does my attitude change when I pray these words about my students instead of myself? Do I see their colors differently now?

May God give each of us the opportunity to step back and admire His creation in our students today and see all the colors that they have the potential to add to our classroom. May He forgive us for prickling at the thought of another day with them. More than likely, they are the students who need us the most. And most of all, may He guide us to help them expose the beautiful colors that He would have them become and show to the world.

May God bless your efforts!