Archive | January 2019

thumbs up

Jan28

I teach kindergarten in an online classroom. The students have speakers, microphones, web cameras, marker tools and emoticons as a way to interact with the teacher and other students. My goal is to make a connection with each child every day and have them reply back to me. They can give a smiley face, thumbs up, write on the board or turn on their microphone or camera. Most of my teaching is in a small group setting but at the end of each class students are in their own “rooms” working on an exit activity. I end each class by passing out clip art stickers, smiley faces or stars. My goal is to go from room to room and speak to each child on the microphone after class, discuss their page and wish them a nice day. Some days I get busy with one student and run out of time to chat with some of the others before they log off. If it looks like I am running short on time I quickly go in and pass out the sticker of the day. I give everyone a little smile or thumbs up emoticon but do not take the time to speak personally to each student.

One day when a little girl was extra chatty her mom said, “She likes the stars and stickers but she gets the biggest smile on her face when she hears your voice and you talk to her about her work.” I thanked the mom for her comment and realized I always feel the class was more successful if I can talk to each child every day.

As I was thinking about this it made me think of my relationship with God. My plan is to sit and study the Bible, pray and spend time with Him each day. However, on my busy days sometimes my prayers are more like a quick thumbs up or a little smiley face. I’m sure He likes my thumbs up but I bet He feels the day was more successful when He can hear my voice speaking to Him about His work.

Dear Lord, help us not get so busy that we neglect our quiet time with you. Help us to take time to tell you about our day and our concerns and to thank you always for the good work You are doing. Surround us with Your presence and smile down when You hear our voice calling out to You! Amen

Devotional Thought and Photo: Marge McCoy

Great is the Lord

Jan27

Great is the Lord

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
In the city of our God,
In the mountain of His holiness.
Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth,
Is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north,
The city of the great King.
Is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north,
The city of the great King.

Words and Music: R.E.(1976)
Based on Psalms 48:1-2
Photo: Bob McCoy