I love volunteering and teaching in my kindergarten class. I'd do it if they didn't pay me. Well, they don't pay me. But I do it because that's what God has called me to do. And I learn as much from the kids as I teach.But, recently, I feel that God has been "paying" me as a teacher. As mentioned in an earlier post, I've watched several older children profess faith in Christ and be baptized, children that I taught when they were kindergartners. God has helped me see how others have built on the truths that I helped these children discover. That is payment for me.
The mother of one of those boys told us: "He chose John 3:16 as his favorite verse. He said that he knew what it meant because he first learned it in Mr. Scott and Mrs. Cindy's class." That's payment for me.
The mother of one of our new children said she was talking about the new class with her child. Her two older children (both had been in our class) said: "That is THE kindergarten class! You'll love it!" That's payment for me.
Last week, toward the end of our time with the brand-new group of kindergartners, I overheard two boys talking. "Our little class was boring," one said. "This class is fun." That's payment for me.
I love teaching preschoolers and kindergartners. I will always be involved with young children in some way. But, sometimes I must admit, things get difficult or discouraging. I'm glad that God knows what we need to feel "paid" for our work. He is good to help us see the impact we can make through Him.
I'm not foolish enough to believe that Cindy and I are the reason that the kids respond in these ways. God's love and power covers a great deal of mistakes and missteps. He is the reason that children are excited to learn and grow. I'm glad I can be a part of His work in these young lives.
How has God "paid" you? How has He affirmed His call to teaching in your life? Thank Him for that.
Words by Lillian
Photo by R. Scott Wiley
