I teach art to students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. I’m excellent at speaking because I transfer information from my brain to the brains of my students every day. I’m good at speaking but I wish I listened better. I have approximately 600 students welcomed into my classroom every week and it is really difficult to hear them individually.
God has given me an enormous opportunity. I know He wants me to intentionally love every student at my school. Can you imagine being intentional with 600 people every week? It is pretty overwhelming when you focus on the numbers. But, I am trying to focus on the power of God that is in me and realize He gives me the ability to do all things.
I can become a better listener when I stop talking. I think this is true for my relationships with my students, co-workers, and my family. I often wait to talk, but I should be listening instead. Just listening. “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19
So, I have decided to listen to my students. I’m going to work on staying right where I am and listen to every story they have to tell. No matter how irrelevant the story is I am going to listen, and by listening I intentionally love them. Who should you be listening to today?
