Job Description

I know...two blogs in one day. But, I process things better when I write.

I was reading II Timothy today and I stumbled upon two very important things. Two things that I really needed to hear.

I found my job description. First, let me give you a little background information. For those of you who don't know what I do, I teach preschool. This may come as a shock to some of you. It certainly came as a shock to me. I love my job. I think I'm pretty good at my job. But, don't for one second think that it's all sunshine and butterflies. Don't think it's all finger painting and play- doh. It's hard. There is some serious mental, and occasionally physical, strain involved. But, as I've shared with you before, all it takes is one little hand grabbing for yours and then, none of the other stuff matters.

Recently, Emily and I were talking about how we are more than teachers. That these classrooms are our congregations. That, in effect, we are pastors. And, we are responsible for the spiritual well-being of each of these little ones in our care. That's a giant responsibility and I admit that I find it daunting.

I have said before that my only job is to love these children. And, I still believe that is what I am called to do. But, there is more than just hugs and kisses when you are the shepherd of sixteen crazy little sheep.

'Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.' II Timothy 4:2

Was Paul a preschool teacher? Seriously, this verse so completely sums up my entire responsibility as a teacher (minus the love part, but Paul wasn't very mushy). First and foremost, I have to preach the word to these kids. And, considering the fact that they are one and two years old, I believe that means I have to preach the Word with my life. I have to be ready for anything. Any question, any situation, and trust me, you would not even be able to dream up the things these kids do. And, I do have to, occasionally, reprove, rebuke, and exhort, but here's the kicker, I have to do it with complete patience. And, I have to turn that rebuke into a 'teachable moment.' Oops. You expected complete patience? Oh.

I absolutely love my job. Every day, I am blessed. I am blessed by the kids and I am blessed to get to work with these amazing women every single day. I am blessed to work in an environment where a relationship with Jesus is expected and encouraged. Yesterday, while the kids were napping, I was playing worship music, and I spent some time talking with Jesus. He visited me at work. What an amazing privilege!

I recognize that I have an enormous responsibility. And, I love that God recognizes that I have an enormous responsibility. I love that He believes these little lives are just as important as mine, or any other adults, for that matter. Sure, they can't get their pee pee in the potty yet. Maybe they don't color in the lines or use nice hands, but He loves them so much. He has such amazing plans for them. And, I am so grateful that He has allowed me to be a part of those plans.

Paul tells Timothy, 'Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom (this is plural, according to my little footnotes) you have learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.' II Timothy 3:14, 15

Timothy has had many teachers throughout his life and all of them have contributed to his beliefs, which ultimately led to his salvation. I cannot tell you what a privilege and blessing it is have the chance to contribute in the lives of these children. I am overwhelmed by both the awesomeness of the blessing and the hugeness of the responsibility. But, I firmly believe that God has put me here for a reason, and I am confident that He is able to fulfill His purpose in me. And, that's incredibly amazing too!

(I know I said there were two things. And, there is something else, but you'll have to wait until later. I think I've done enough blogging for one night...)