Lent Devotional – Serve Others

Imagine you are standing out in front of a room. You look out and see a classroom of 3rd-grade faces looking to you for direction and guidance. Some are eager to learn, some are talking to each other, and others would rather be at home playing video games. Being a teacher is the greatest gift and privilege. My faith and belief in Jesus helps me every day in the classroom.

“The greatest among you will be your servant.” Matthew 23:11

As a follower of Christ, he asks us to serve others. When I step foot in my classroom my hope is to serve and help all my kiddos. That could be giving hugs, giving praise or high fives, and even wiping away tears. Sometimes it means writing postcards to say, “KEEP IT UP”, or emailing a parent a concern. I’m there to teach, but also to help and serve my kiddos day in and day out with ALL the BIG and little things.

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have love you” John 15:12)

I spend more time in the classroom than I do at home. I know which student will write about his dog, which student will write about soccer, and which student will go to the bathroom five times a day. We spend so much time together, loving my students becomes second nature. All students need love, and it looks different for each child.

“Do unto others as you would like them to do to you.” (Luke 6:31)

When it comes to discipline this is the rule I preach to my students. The Golden Rule sums up most of my classroom rules. Instead of writing in their yellow folders or having them run laps outside, I try to talk to them and counsel them. Students want and need discipline, but more importantly they need to understand how to respect and love each other.

I teach because it is what God has called me to do! Being a teacher is more than teaching book knowledge; it’s also about reaching kids’ hearts and helping them see their full potential. Students are the lifeblood of any school and I love being where there is LIFE!

Courtney Burkhart

3rd Grade RLA teacher at Hart Elementary