During the school year, it is customary to schedule parent-teacher conferences. When I was teaching, I enjoyed the conversations with parents and guardians. I tried to be positive and affirming in my observations. I hope I was a good listener.
I was always inspired by the adults’ love for their children. I have found that raising children asks much in terms of humility, endurance, patience, and loving care. Kindness goes a long way. Love accounts for a thousand details.
I recently heard a story about a fourth grader whose parents had gone to meet with the teacher. When mom and dad returned home, their son was eager to learn what the teacher had shared. The boy asked, “Did my teacher say I was kind?”
I wouldn’t have expected that question to come from a ten-year-old.
We desire our children to learn and grow to become the person God calls them to be in all the dimensions of their lives: physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual. It is a grace-filled unfolding. Teachers, parents, guardians, and grandparents are partners in the process.
We are in Eastertime and continue to reflect on the great mystery of the Risen Lord in our midst.
Jesus’ followers called Him Teacher. As we meditate on the Scripture readings this season, we may reflect on what the sacred text teaches us about how grace is active in all our lives.
After the Resurrection in John’s gospel, Peter encountered the Risen Jesus. Jesus asked Peter three times if Peter loved Him (John 21:15-17). Repetition can be a helpful teaching technique. We learn what we hear ourselves saying. Sometimes we are transformed by what we learn.
If we were to imagine a teacher-student conference between the Risen Lord and us, we might wonder what He would ask us. Perhaps He would first ask how we are doing. Maybe then He would encourage us to persevere in the kindness we show to each other. I believe He would be intently listening to us. I imagine He would be smiling. All the while, we would know His loving presence.
“Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:5)
“But the LORD’s kindness is forever, toward the faithful from age to age. He favors the children’s children.” (Psalm 103:17)
Let us pray during this Eastertime for the grace to witness loving kindness to our children and families.