My students LOVE going to music and have really gotten to know the music teacher well this year. He is very funny and the students love getting tootsie rolls from him. Today, three of my kiddos decided to take tootsie rolls off of his music stand because getting one just wasn't enough.
Upon learning this information, I was SO disappointed. While I realize children have their own sin and sin nature, this made me feel like a terrible teacher. MY students were stealing tootsie rolls from the music teacher. After music we skipped writing. I had them all sit on the carpet and we talked about when we take things that don't belong to us, this is stealing. We talked about Adam and Eve and about how blaming others doesn't make us less guilty. We prayed together and asked God to help us be self-controlled and not to take things that don't belong to us.
While it was a tough day and much of it was spent emailing parents, I was so reminded of myself and my sin. How often do I make poor choices and throw the blame on someone else or something else? How often do I take what isn't mine or lack a servant's heart? How often am I so wrapped up in my own world that I fail to see into anyone else's?
Father, I pray for change. Change in my heart and my life. Change in my classroom. I pray for 17 six (or 7) year old hearts completely sold out for you and ready to follow you. Help me to show them your love. Help us all to come clean with our sin and accept your forgiveness.
PS--While there are many frustrating, teachable moments, there are also many entertaining ones. For example, when they believe that I am 42. Or when they ask what happens to your brain when it falls asleep. Or just when they come in your room after school to tell you about their bloody nose. I LOVE them.
