More than a Hair Net

I am an English language Learner (ELL) educator.  That means that I have the great pleasure of helping students learn English if they speak another language.  I love my job and love the students and families that I serve.  This year we had some changes in our district.  We reconfigured our school buildings into grade level sites; K-1, 2-3 and 4-5.  Practically it meant that all students in those 2 grade levels will be attending the same school. Breaking it down even further it means that my building houses hundreds of kindergartners and first graders.  

On the first day of school it is not uncommon for first time students to cry a little for their moms, be confused about where to go, not understand school rules, ask where the bathroom is, have trouble navigating the lunch line, and some may have bathroom accidents. This is to be expected and patience for these little one is necessary.  Now imagine that every one of the students in your school is crying, feels overwhelmed and requires attention all at the same time!  It was obvious after our first day of this new system that there were some necessary changes we would need to make for our little ones.

During lunch instead of expecting our students to scoop their own food onto their trays, we would ask adults to do this job. When asked who would do this I gladly accepted the task.  I love doing anything that requires conversations with my students. As soon as I said yes, it was noted that we would be wearing hair nets! Too late to un-volunteer, I donned the elegant hat and promptly went to work serving salad to students.  All in all it was fun!   

What I learned
At any time we are to be ready to serve. This means that we may

• Equip people Ephesians 4:11-13
• Be devoted to each other Romans 12:10
• Share each others burdens Galatians 6:2
• Encourage each other I Thessalonians 5:11
• Pray for each other James 5:16
• Share the truth II Timothy 4:2

Regardless of what we are called to do we can, Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 

Ephesians 6:7

Where are you called to serve?