In January, when thinking about my 2015 resolutions I made happiness my goal. I wrote about finding happiness in the everyday. Even when I can barely see over the pile of IEPs on my desk, I try to choose happiness. Everyone finds that happiness in different places. For me comes from serving others. Educators who work in the public schools are public servants. We work for the public. For most of us, that means a life dedicated to the service of children.
While sitting in church a few weeks ago, I listened to a great message about serving others. Like all good sermons, it made me think about my own life and life’s work. Jesus was a servant for all man. Read in Mark 10:45, “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Christian living is walking in the shadow of our servant King. It is making sure that we stay in the path where he loves to serve his people—the path of faith and love. (source)
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Beautifully said. We all need reminders at times. I had just taken a break from writing an IEP to check my personal email…on this Sunday afternoon. This was the first thing I saw. How timely! Thank you!
Thank you for this encouraging message! He certainly instructs us to follow His example as a servant. I am just finishing my second year in the school system and I have decided that I need to resign. I serve children and families better in the Birth to 3 system. I truly admire and respect those that work through the paperwork and caseloads of public school. Thank you for all you do. I look forward to continuing to be a servant to the “littlest”of His children. 🙂
Matthew 5:16 (NIV):
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Thank you for sharing how your faith and life work intersect. It’s very encouraging! I trust that you’ll have a great Summer and be refreshed.
I completely Agree with what you have said. I serve in my public school work and I serve a group of 10th grade girls at church. Our group studied service today. I have challenged them to do an act of service for someone every day for 40 days. They made mini journals to document their experiences and so we can reflect on this together later. We read Galatians 5:13-14:for you were called to freedom brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. We also studiedCossians 3:23 (work willingly at whatever you do,as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.). Thanks for your beautiful encouraging words and I hope you have a wonderful summer. Thanks for sharing your creativity with us and serving us too. I have been helped through your sharing which is also an act of device. Thank you!
Thanks so much for this. I really needed it today! Just so you know, I consider you to be the angel on my shoulder. I have a very difficult IEP meeting tomorrow! Though it may make me lose sleep tonight, I know that God has this and He will be there with me as I try to do my best for this child, regardless of the adults in his home life. I know that I have done what is ethically right for him the past 3 years that I have had him, and though his family is never satisfied, and is always asking for more, I know that the rest of his school team and I have always given our best on his behalf. Please say a prayer for us that this school year ends well and that his family can move on with a positive attitude towards the staff of our school district.
Thank you for such a wonderful post. It reminded me of my daughter’s Speech Therapist when we lived in England. She did so much for her despite her overwhelming caseload -she could have dismissed her when we enrolled her at elementary school, but she didn’t because she knew that she would not receive the support that she needed. I used to take notes and borrow materials to work with her at home. One day she mentioned one of her Sunday School activities and I felt an even more special connection with her.
Needless to say, she inspired me to change career; I was a Sunday School teacher for a couple of years and that gave me the confidence to then return to grad school for a Masters in Speech Pathology. My job is crazy at reevaluation time, but it is so rewarding and I love it!
By the way, the 3 year old girl that Ms. Rebecca saw so many years ago just completed her freshman year at HS with a 3.54 GPA, which is so amazing for a child that was diagnosed at that time with a moderate to severe language delay. All the help that we can give our students goes a long way!
Keep up the great work!!
Thank you for your message and for your love for His children!! I have purchased and used many of your materials, Thank you for your dedication!! May God Richly Bless You this summer with Health, Love, Peace and Joy!!
That was a wonderful post. It’s not always easy to put a “God” spin on something so “daily” but you did a great job. Thanks for sharing your faith.
Thank you for such a beautifully written article! What a wonderful reminder in the midst of feeling so overwhelmed and frustrated with the administrative responsibilities required in our profession. So important to be reminded to keeping finding the happiness in the midst of all and staying focused on the ones we were called to serve!
Thank you for your wise words. I appreciate your willingness to speak about your faith. Servanthood is not always a popular topic, because it requires something of us. Yet, it is the most direct route to true happiness and a sense of fulfillment. Thank you for sharing & reminding us that our lives are truly not all about us, but more importantly about those He places in our path. God bless you
Amen, Jenna! Well said. This year, happiness for me came in form of my dog, my own children (who are in their early 20’s), my husband (not necessarily in that order), and taking a Bible Study class at my church. Looking forward to a relaxing summer!
Beautiful post and a great way to describe how your work dovetails with your faith. Jesus was a servant-leader and your opening up this way, on social media, demonstrates that you have clearly embraced that call as well
i agree completely Jenna. I keep your scripture poster up in my closet at work, and take a moment to read one of the scriptures when I feel really stressed. It always brings me back to the reason I am here.
Jenna, this is a beautiful blog about living to serve others with Christ’s love! I too, try to focus on this daily, & start my workday with a prayer for God to use me & bring about positive change in my students lives. You are truly making a difference in so many lives- God bless you!!
So awesome to see there are so many God loving SLPs in the world. Many of our children need to see God’s light in us and I enjoyed reading all the responses to Jenna’s post as well. I also pray for my students and their families and for God to use me to help those students. 🙂 Have a great summer….mine doesn’t start until next week!!
I was reading through past posts of Mandy Robek and she wrote of your blog…so glad I came here! I’m looking forward to visiting often!
I’m glad you found me through my pal Mandy!
Thank you for sharing your faith with others. You truly have a servant’s heart and you are a blessing to our field. I appreciate your blog and materials so much. May you find JOY in each day. Blessings!
I love reading your posts. I am always looking for ways to find joy and serve with a Godly heart. I am reading blog postings today to get a better idea of how to provide the most effective therapy in the schools and still have a good time. I enjoy your post very much. Any advice or comments for a new SLP is appreciated.
I just finished my 19th year as an SLP with our ECSE program. Though it has had its challenges, I have loved my job, my families and my kids. Early in my career someone gave me a magnet that says “Lord, may I speak your love with every word I teach”. I’ve taken that magnet with me to every classroom and office I’ve had. It’s a great reminder that even though we aren’t teaching about God in the public school we are always His servants.