|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "This Is My Father's World"1 (Lyrics) |
Romans 12:16 – Be sensitive to each other's needs – don't think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don't be conceited. (CJB)
If we learned nothing else, we learned to be sensitive.
Parent-teacher conference day: no teachers look forward to it. Secretly, we probably wish that no parents would schedule a conference, and equally we attempt to deal with issues beforehand so that we don't have to schedule one. The day is long. The stories are, too. One year, the stories seemed to go on forever.
Our middle school secretary sent us the schedule a week before conference day, but we knew that it would likely change. Some of the conferences we had called for; others we hadn't. The schedule showed an almost-filled day. Then, two days before conference day, it was filled. To accommodate one set of parents and avoid scheduling time on another day, we began at 7:30 a.m. — thirty minutes before usual — and ended at 3:45 in the afternoon.
What we saw and heard startled us … somewhat. Most parents are busier than the average bear. Their kids are involved in sports, which require time, money, and travel. In the midst of it, the parents must try to help the students do the homework and projects that we assign, and middle school has six classes. Some of the family dynamics were complicated.
Although no parent said it, we heard their messages. They didn't know what to do. Life was difficult. They wished that we wouldn't assign projects or assignments. Did some of them need to make better choices? Maybe. Were some of them tired because of their own decisions? Perhaps. But their reality was their reality — good or bad — self-inflicted or not.
Nevertheless, we sympathized with them. Life in the twenty-first century isn't easy — nor is parenting. So, we listened, learned, and gave advice where we could. Relationships are key, and we consider ourselves partners with them in rearing and educating their children.
Paul encouraged the first-century believers in Rome to be sensitive to each other's needs. The advice is still good. Jesus was, and we should follow His example. Busyness will keep us from realizing others' needs. We can get so wrapped up in our "stuff" that we have no time to deal with or listen to others' stuff. But that's not how God designed us to live life.
Slowing down, being intentional, and looking and praying for opportunities are ways to sensitize ourselves to others' needs. Life, after all, is about loving God and others. Sensitivity isn't always easy — especially when we see people making bad decisions or putting themselves into unhealthy situations — but we can't let those things dampen our sensitivity.
Although I don't enjoy conference day, I develop a different perspective about the students and parents as I hear their stories.
What steps can you take to be more sensitive to others' needs?
Prayer: Father, help us to be sensitive to the needs of others, regardless of why they have those needs. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 – In Scarborough, Ontario — Pray for those who gather Wednesday mornings in the lobby of Grace West Hill Presbyterian Church, Scarborough, Ontario, for fellowship with coffee at "Second Timothy's". Pray for good fellowship with a sense of the Holy Spirit's presence. Pray that they would be encouraged to share with those they meet and work with.
Prayer for Pastor Kristen: "Update January14, 2025: Kristen is facing another round of radiation. She is virtually a shut in,..." 
Thanks for this reminder, Martin.
Another Great Devotional Martin! Thank you for sharing with us all.
Thanks, Martin, for your good words today. Yes, we definitely need be willing to reach out and help others with whatever situation they are facing. It is the Lord’s way of helping for sure, as He is not just selective of certain people to help. Many blessings for your special writings.
Good morning, Martin,
Your devotional is right on the mark for me. I have worked for years on trying not to be judgmental and it is very difficult for me. This was another reminder to keep work and praying for God’s help. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
Dear Martin,
Thank you for today’s devotional –
“Parent-teacher conference day: “no teachers look forward to it.” I thank all my teachers of yesterday and all today’s teachers as well who continue to work diligently to teach our children and grandchildren. Our teachers prepare each student for their future tomorrows. God gave us teachers for a reason and we Praise and thank Him for it.
Martin:
I can empathize completely with you about your views on Parent Interview conferences. I was a secondary teacher in large regional schools for over 40 years and served latterly as a school administrator organizing these events. I understand the dynamics very well.
Many of our parents resided in rural settings so travel to and from the conferences could be time-consuming. This can act as an irritant even before they arrived.
There was/is a perception among the taxpayers too that we were paid too much and worked too little…. the July, August argument was tiresome.
Our conferences were normally scheduled immediately after school, then after a supper break, until 9:00 p.m. so, usually all parents were accommodated.
I found that the parents for the most part to be polite and understanding.
The parents whose kids were a problem usually didn’t attend….they’d heard teacher’s grievances often before….from kindergarten on up! So, they were almost always pleasant, and their visits served to satisfy their curiosity about their student’s daytime supervisors/alternate parents.
I imagine we secondary teachers benefited from the work you and your elementary colleagues had done in the past and for that I thank you!
Keep up the great church work.
(Ontario)
Sometimes teachers get so Involved in listening and advising parents of their students that they forget their own children’s needs.
Wisdom for 2024 living, parent, grandparent, or no family.
Thanks Martin!
(BC Canada)
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. As a former elementary school teacher and also a parent, I can relate to your experience. I wish I had been a parent before being a teacher. Yet, what I learned from teaching gave me a more sympathetic heart as a parent.
Blessings.