In some places, students are anticipating the transition back to school. In our present circumstance, it appears schools will be dealing with increased challenges and divergent perspectives.
Many years ago, I attended a parents’ back-to-school night for one of our children. The evening included visiting the fourth-grade classroom. Parents sat at their child’s desk and listened to the teacher describe the goals and expectations for the class. Trying to sit at a desk and chair designed for a nine-year-old was a challenge. Of course, I listened attentively to the teacher.
I also found myself gazing around the room, looking at all the visual displays: posters, alphabet letters, numbers, multi-colored graphics, maps, and student artwork. It was a captivating celebration of learning. I remember thinking that this is what my child sees every day, from this seat. This was their learning space. For a few minutes, I was privileged to sit in their time and enjoy a passing glimpse of their school day world. For an instant, I was nine years old again.
Sitting in that seat taught me something about perspective. When we become sensitive to another person’s perspective, we gain the freedom to understand them. As we listen to the other, we become increasingly aware of their experiences, feelings, concerns, perceptions, values, and opinions.
Listening, reflection, and understanding take time and require focus. When we offer someone understanding, we offer a precious gift. We probably all have a memory of a friend or mentor in whose company we felt truly understood. The way they listened to us, valuing our perspective and gently challenging us, was a grace that helped us grow.
I think that God understands us more than we can ever imagine.
Prayer gives us space to listen, to reflect, and to experience God’s loving perspective.
Prayer deepens our understanding. When we pray as a family with sensitivity to others, we encourage our children to become understanding people.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,” (Philippians 1:9-10).
How does your prayer remain open to God’s perspective?
Who among your mentors, friends, or family have gifted you with their understanding?
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to bless the work of all engaged in education and learning.