I started my teaching career in 2004 at a small elementary school in southwest Oklahoma. Most of the children lived in poverty and embodied the term, “at risk.”
I quickly learned the majority of them were distrustful of adults; there would be little respect given up front–I had to earn it.
I will always remember a fourth grader named Jamie. She and her older brother struggled, both with academics and behavior.
Jamie sat sullen-faced in my music class most days and didn’t participate. A simple redirection, such as, “Please walk in line with the other students.” brought a sneer and half compliance.
Going toe-to-toe with Jamie wasn’t working. I needed a relational break through with her, and many other students. But how?
I stumbled onto the answer one morning when Jamie had a rare, good day in class. I wrote a note to her mother explaining how she played the tambourine and taught others how to play too. I also told mom her daughter was a born leader!
That was the break through. Going forward, Jamie became a positive role model in my class and the other students followed. Once she realized I truly cared about her, it made all the difference in the world.
Today, I look back on my rookie teacher days and shake my head with a grin. There was so much I got wrong that first year! But with God’s help I found the one thing that mattered most–unconditional love.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Kind reader, an unbelieving world, like Jamie, waits to see if Christians truly care. Do they see the unbounded love of God in our lives?
It could make all the difference.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Jesus, John 13:35 (NIV)
Thank you for reading. 🙏 prayers and ❤️ love.
Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
35 responses to “The Power of Love”
We’ve been busy traveling and life in general so it’s been fun to catch up on reading posts today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right! Jesus didn’t suggest that we love one another he commanded us to! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I see you just posted. I will tap on over and give it a read!
LikeLike
Every child should have a teacher like you! “Once she realized I truly cared about her, it made all the difference in the world.” We all need more of this kind of treatment!! And it’s what Jesus wants from us. The whole “love one another as I have loved you” instruction isn’t just a suggestion! Great post.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, my brother and friend! I will always remember this: “Light to others, makes more light for all. “
I always appreciate it when you stop by my little blog. I know you are very busy and it means a lot to me that you stop by to read and comment. May God bless you and yours, always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful Inspiring post my Friend. It is exactly what we need to read, live by and share to one another and the World. People are easy to be angry and hateful nowadays than giving love and kindness. But perhaps it’s because less and less of love and kindness where given to them. Light to others, makes more light for all. This I’ll remember, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.- 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV). Thank you. Please continue sharing God’s love and miracles to us all.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, indeed, Beth. It has been the students who were hardest to love who I remember most. Fondly remember, that is.😊
I figured you could relate personally to this post. Thank you for sharing! 🐾🐾 Shout out to Adi and Summer, my favorite dogs with a blog! Ok, it’s your blog, Beth. But they are the stars 🌟 🌟
LikeLike
The hardest students are truly the most rewarding. You put it so well, “Kind reader, an unbelieving world, like Jamie, waits to see if Christians truly care.” My first years of teaching were in an inner city middle school. Those children taught me more about how to be a good, effective teacher than any teaching course. They also taught me a lot about life.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Tammy! I’m glad you like my little devotional thoughts. Working with children is definitely a “reinforce what you want more of” reality. God’s best to the Williams family.
LikeLike
David! This is so sweet and a true reminder of how kindness and caring can change a kid’s future. You are the best and I love reading your devos.
LikeLiked by 2 people
BTW, Have I told you how much I appreciate you? Ever since your post on finding a spider in your cereal, I always check first. I looked at my coffee mug before pouring in coffee, and there was a spider! God bless you sir!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard it referred to as, “Watering the flowers you want to grow,” and it makes sense. Many of the students at my school received plenty of negative attention. What they didn’t get enough of was positive affirmation – love. Thank you for stopping by. I’m always grateful for your input! God bless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful post. Noticing when people do something right is way more powerful than criticizing them for doing something wrong.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Agreed, Gary. I had worked with kids before I became a teacher, but these were church kids whose parents were supportive and on the premises. Jamie, and many other children at my first school didn’t come from idyllic homes. I literally stumbled upon the recipe of unconditional love. It wasn’t a cure all but it sure beat the alternative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great outcome David. Sometimes we just pray and get creative, I’m convinced God works that way in us. Also a good reminder if we have someone in our life we would rather avoid or ignore.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So true, Peggy! Simply loving students unconditionally can reap huge results. We have 4 self-contained autism classes at my current school. It is such a joy to work with these exceptional children! Thank you for your input and encouragement. God Bless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jo. Love truly does cover over a bunch of mistakes. I hope you have a wonderful day as well—though it’s already tomorrow where you live. 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for a beautiful post! It touched my heart and it’s truth is universal. I began my teaching career in a “behaviorally/emotionally handicapped” self-contained classroom. Love unlocks hurting hearts and opens conversations. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Everyone remembers that one teacher who was kind and really believed in them.
For sure you have many students David who as adults will recall your name! Have a wonderful day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are so right! I didn’t have much of a clue about how to get, and keep my students’ respect. Thankfully, God helped me learn that love was the answer. Thanks for your input!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is beautiful! How good God is that you got this in your first year of teaching, it has set you on a firm foundation for the balance of your career!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Simple actions to show we care can do so much for children and adults.
LikeLiked by 2 people
At a recent professional development, a presenter said, “The greatest indicator of success for a child is the belief that their teacher likes them.” No, I haven’t liked every student, but I’ve learned to act like I do!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Crystal! All the best for year 22!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, brother Alan! I enjoyed your illustration about sales—“try before you buy.” People want to see this Jesus we talk about in action, not just hear about Him. Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so good! Thank you for your teaching, both the kids and adults here. In my classroom, I’ve gone toe-to-toe many-a-time, without success. I appreciate your gentle reminder as I head into year 22.
LikeLiked by 2 people
A lovely wee story well shared David! In it you remind us of the necessity of not just sharing our faith, but in showing it too! When folks go to buy a car, tv or such item, they won’t buy unless they see it in action. It is the same with the love of God that we talk about. Thank you brother, God bless you today 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Manu! I appreciate your reading and responding. God Bless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A touching story and a very good reminder of what truly makes a difference. Thanks for sharing David.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, BG. God Bless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed, Betty. We need to have a (mostly) positive relationship with someone if we want to influence them in a good way. “Catch them being good” is great advice. It works for big people too! In the end, our lives often speak louder than our words. Ok, I’m finished being philosophical 🧐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent job kind sir! Preach! Shout It Loud!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good Morning, David. This is a very uplifting story. It reminds me of some parenting advice I read somewhere a long time ago. It was something like, “Catch them being good.” Your quote “an unbelieving world waits to see if Christians really care” also struck a note with me. As well as the follow up question. A blogger I follow recently wrote a long post about why religion is “bad.” I could only read so much, and I didn’t comment. First, I didn’t think my comment would do any good – or matter. Second, I didn’t know where to start! My only thought was to remain blogging friends. Perhaps my life can say and have the power simple words cannot.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Bridget. God Bless you, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful story! And a wonderful lesson for all of us. We are called to walk in love. Sometimes it’s hard. But it’s possible. And when we let the love of Jesus shine, it spreads to those around us. God bless you for all you do in the school and in the Kingdom! Have a great weekend, David!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Barb. Don’t leave yourself out of the equation. You help those little guys start and end their school day right. God Bless!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love this story so much!
Teachers like you (& my daughter) are a blessing to your students, their families, your fellow teachers and the rest of us.
LikeLiked by 3 people