April 24
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness. 2 Timothy 24-25
One of our first grade grandchildren has had a particularly challenging teacher this year, who appears to be quite high strung and lacks patience with the little guys in her charge. It seems several times a day she raises her voice at one child or another, creating uneasiness among the others and a little fear as well. Our daughter has addressed her own child’s increased anxiety over the atmosphere in the classroom, with some help, but this woman’s personality is what it is, and very quickly presents itself once again. I have my own feelings about what needs to be done, and find it difficult to tolerate a teacher that does not have a gentle approach. But my daughter dealt with the situation calmly, yet firmly and repeats the communication as needed. Our grandchild has learned to cope with another circumstance in life, one that can be quite uncomfortable. These days when I ask her how things are going with this teacher, she now will say with a smile on her face, “Oh Gram! She was grouchy today!”
When walking Maizy our dog, there was one particular neighbor that I found myself trying to dodge like the plague. No matter how much I endeavored to redirect the conversation, it always returned to a complaint about this neighbor or that, or a situation in the neighborhood that annoyed her, and the negativity weighed me down. I hurried as best I could past her home to get where I needed to go, but it wasn’t enough. . . . then I realized that avoidance was getting me no where! On our next encounter, I decided not only to try to keep the chatter light, but to gently and clearly state whatever positive I could find in either the person or situation she spoke about, and then quickly make an exit. (Thankfully, Maizy was tugging on her leash and excitedly trying to move forward too! And like most dogs with manners, knows to keep "smiling," say little and continue going ahead in an uncomfortable situation! I have learned a lot from my dogs!) By not giving credence to this woman's views, it seems to have deflected some of the pessimism. Not that what she has to say is not valuable, for she has many positive qualities that I certainly do appreciate, but no longer will I allow myself to be a part of disrespectful conversation. How I am enjoying my walk once again!
It isn’t always easy to be kindly and tolerant toward those whose actions go against our spirit, but they are with us in all areas of our lives. St. Paul reminds us in this Scripture to be as Christ-like as we can in our encounter with others; that it is our responsibility as followers of Christ to set the example and set the record straight – to be a good teacher. And I can’t help but ask myself, “How many times has my own behavior or speech been a source of aggravation or discomfort to someone that I meet?” Have I been an apt teacher?
God, you made each of us in your image! Help us to remember that each of us is valuable to you. Help us to guard our speech and help one another know you better.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness. 2 Timothy 24-25
One of our first grade grandchildren has had a particularly challenging teacher this year, who appears to be quite high strung and lacks patience with the little guys in her charge. It seems several times a day she raises her voice at one child or another, creating uneasiness among the others and a little fear as well. Our daughter has addressed her own child’s increased anxiety over the atmosphere in the classroom, with some help, but this woman’s personality is what it is, and very quickly presents itself once again. I have my own feelings about what needs to be done, and find it difficult to tolerate a teacher that does not have a gentle approach. But my daughter dealt with the situation calmly, yet firmly and repeats the communication as needed. Our grandchild has learned to cope with another circumstance in life, one that can be quite uncomfortable. These days when I ask her how things are going with this teacher, she now will say with a smile on her face, “Oh Gram! She was grouchy today!”
When walking Maizy our dog, there was one particular neighbor that I found myself trying to dodge like the plague. No matter how much I endeavored to redirect the conversation, it always returned to a complaint about this neighbor or that, or a situation in the neighborhood that annoyed her, and the negativity weighed me down. I hurried as best I could past her home to get where I needed to go, but it wasn’t enough. . . . then I realized that avoidance was getting me no where! On our next encounter, I decided not only to try to keep the chatter light, but to gently and clearly state whatever positive I could find in either the person or situation she spoke about, and then quickly make an exit. (Thankfully, Maizy was tugging on her leash and excitedly trying to move forward too! And like most dogs with manners, knows to keep "smiling," say little and continue going ahead in an uncomfortable situation! I have learned a lot from my dogs!) By not giving credence to this woman's views, it seems to have deflected some of the pessimism. Not that what she has to say is not valuable, for she has many positive qualities that I certainly do appreciate, but no longer will I allow myself to be a part of disrespectful conversation. How I am enjoying my walk once again!
It isn’t always easy to be kindly and tolerant toward those whose actions go against our spirit, but they are with us in all areas of our lives. St. Paul reminds us in this Scripture to be as Christ-like as we can in our encounter with others; that it is our responsibility as followers of Christ to set the example and set the record straight – to be a good teacher. And I can’t help but ask myself, “How many times has my own behavior or speech been a source of aggravation or discomfort to someone that I meet?” Have I been an apt teacher?
God, you made each of us in your image! Help us to remember that each of us is valuable to you. Help us to guard our speech and help one another know you better.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson