DISCREET
October 1, 2018
DISCREET
Prayer: I am so grateful, Dear Lord that You have allowed my failings of You to mostly be hidden from the world. Please remind me to be so gracious. Thank You for forgiving my sins for all eternity.
Scripture: Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:11 NIV
From down the hall I could hear Henry’s name being called out again. The teacher’s sarcastic and frustrated tone rang clear as she called him. Both her class and mine began to giggle and talk. The two girls in front of my desk said, “I wonder what he did this time? I wish we could go see.” During recess I observed Henry being teased as students imitated the teacher’s voice calling his name. It was belittling to Henry, and not at all flattering towards his teacher. My coworker looked at me and asked, “Do I sound like that?”
A little discretion could have saved Henry a lot of heartache. I know we cannot always go over to a student and quietly correct them. Imagine how you feel when you are corrected or made the center of negative attention in front of your family or peers. We all have been on the giving and receiving end of this situation at least once in our lives, maybe more. If you were on the receiving end you probably have vivid memories of how you felt and responded.
We have all been taught that public humiliation is not an acceptable discipline tool, yet we may do it without realizing it. Listen and watch for other students’ reactions and the long-term hurt that can be caused by a shortsighted decision. Whether with your students, friends or family, a discreet correction will prompt a more positive response and respect.
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]
A great reminder to us, as hard-working teachers who are trying to do our very best. Sometimes I don’t realize my tone or execution until after the fact. As I work out this poor part of my own soul, I try to present myself to the students with humility in recognizing that teachers make mistakes, too. I think it goes a long way in their book when we can come to them on that even playing field, and recognize our own faults with them. Thanks for the devotional!