A Good Reminder

     Third term is fast approaching, this morning we had teachers' meeting, and tomorrow will be the staff meeting. It is good to be getting back into the school side of things. 

     In the meeting this morning, Phil, the head teacher, gave a little devotion from 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, and 13. 

     "6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." "13...while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with all men..." (NKJV)

     He talked about how easy it is to reap sparingly due to tiredness and such, and how by sowing sparingly with the kids we will also reap sparingly with them. Each term that we have them is another opportunity to sow in their lives, and as each term ends, with that so do some of our opportunities. By going all out and sowing bountifully I am not only sowing seeds in my own life, but also in all of the lives of my students, fellow teachers, and everyone else around me. 

     Vs. 7 tells us to give cheerfully...so often that could mean money or material things, but here giving cheerfully of my time. Being always ready to spend my time with others, putting their needs and time concerns above my own. 

     And such a great reminder in vs. 8 "God is able"....He alone can give me the grace that I need to serve and deal correctly with all those around me, again, not only my students (with whom I definitely need God's grace to deal with properly), but also my roommates, fellow teachers, and everyone I am in contact with. In the same way, He alone can give everyone else the grace needed to deal with me! :)

     And as always, the whole purpose and reason behind all of this is given in vs. 13 "they glorify God". Wow! How incredible would that be if my actions and sacrifices would end up giving God glory! May that be the end result of my life....and may I finish out this third term with as much of a burden to live this out as I hope to begin it!