SIGNIFICANT
November 14, 2018
Prayer: Today we will remember our work is important when we do it for You. May You lead us and may we not get tied up in what is not worthwhile.
Scripture: And he said, “The Son of Man mut suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killd and on the third day be raised to life.” Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9: 22-23 NIV
We had the privilege of being invited to the Olympic Training Center for the final trials for the men’s gymnastics team. Both of my children are in gymnastics, so I was beyond excited to pack them up and drive to Colorado Springs for the competition. I tried and tried to explain to them the significance of this opportunity but to no avail. At their age and with very little understanding of the awesomeness of the Olympics, they could not grasp just how incredible this event was in their young lives.
They watched the competition with great interest and enthusiasm, met many current and previous Olympians, took pictures and got autographs, but they still do not understand what a big deal it was to attend this event. I started thinking about many things that had happened in my life that did not have a great impact on me until later in life. So many things have occurred that seemed ordinary or even tragic that years later turned up knowledge or experience that I needed to minister to someone, solve a problem, or accomplish a task.
Today’s scripture verse is just one of the many times when Jesus tried to explain to His disciples what would happen and the significance of the events but they just could not grasp what He was saying to them at that time. Can you describe a similar time in your life where you did not see the significance of it until later in life? Was it an opportunity to see that you could accomplish something that you did not feel that you could or did you get to share knowledge from what you had learned with others?
As educators, we can get very frustrated when our students do not understand the significance of a lesson or appreciate the opportunity to come to school. So many children around the world do not have the opportunities we have in America. I believe that eventually everyone learns the value of school: either while they are benefiting from what they have learned by holding a successful job or being a parent, or wishing they had listened more and worked harder when they cannot get the kind of job they would like.
Know that the opportunities you are providing today are valuable and will be treasured if not today, someday.
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]