Purpose Over PensionSample

Day 6: Growing Patience and Grace

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that working with students can sometimes test my patience and require an abundance of grace. I humbly ask you today for patience and grace in my interactions with my students, coworkers, and even my own family. Help me to respond with love and understanding in challenging moments, remembering that God is in the center of it all. I pray that you can give me the opportunity to practice patience and the ability to show grace, even when it may be difficult for me. Thank you for the grace and patience you show me each and every day. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Reflection:

Reflect on the areas in your work where you want to grow in patience and grace. It could be in dealing with difficult students, handling conflicts, or managing stressful situations. God doesn’t just want us to suffer or struggle, however, He will allow us to walk through difficult times so that we have the opportunity to rely on His strength apart from our own. This may be in the form of a difficult conversation, a disciplinary action, a family that is trying your patience, or a student that you just can’t get through to. Consider the impact of responding with patience and grace, and how it can positively influence your relationships and the overall atmosphere of your school. God’s grace to us is endless and unbounding. Remembering the simple fact that God’s grace is given to us even though we do not deserve it enables us to step back and approach those moments from a softened perspective. This perspective doesn’t take away the meaning or the impact of the present moment, but it will allow us to clearly think through what God is leading us to understand by leaning on the patience and grace that is poured out freely to us. Some people in this world are not aligned with the beliefs Jesus teaches, so when we have the opportunity to love how Jesus loved and care with compassion and understanding we are showing others what it looks like to walk with a God that wants us all to draw closer to Him. You may be the only form of Jesus that people in your daily life experience, so take those moments to grow closer to Him by pouring yourself out in your patience and grace. Remember to breathe.

Prayer Focus:

Pray for an overflow of patience and grace in your interactions with students, colleagues, and parents. Ask God to help you respond with love and understanding, even in moments of frustration or pressure. Pray for the ability to see beyond behaviors and to offer support and guidance with kindness. Ask God to mold you to be more like Him each new day.