Unto the Least of These

I've been thinking about service a lot lately. We are enjoined to serve others during this life. Often, it is not an easy thing to do. Sometimes I worry about offending people with my attempts at service. Helping others is rarely convenient. But, luckily, I'm surrounded by good examples of reaching out graciously.

This morning, a wonderful parent came in with birthday cupcakes for everyone in my class. Her son had helped her to bake them. She was teaching him how to bake and how to share. I watched a parent do recess duty at 8:10 in the morning, so that kids could be safe on the playground. Three parents volunteered time to work with students and to grade papers today, during their busy schedules. Later, another parent baked muffins with her young daughters, and brought them in to share with the class. Again, a parent sweetly teaching her daughters to serve others. After school, I watched my student's dad tirelessly water all of the planters on our campus. He does this almost daily. Why? Because it makes the campus look nice for all of us. I often watch parents coach students with sports after school. We are a charter school, and this is the only way that we can have athletic teams for our middle schoolers. It's important for kids to play sports together. We are a community. And, a community can only be knitted together with service and selflessness.

Today kicked off teacher appreciation week. The parents took our cars out for washing and detailing. Last year, parents bought and installed all new tires on my car. I don't think that they will ever be able to understand how much this affected me. Those tires carried me safely for eighty miles over the hill every other day last summer, while I spent time with my dying mom. They were one of the kindest gifts that I've ever been given. They blessed me with freedom from worrying about my safety, while I wrestled with larger, more complicated worries. I live alone. I don't have a lot of time or money. There are some things in my life that I totally neglect. My car is one area of my life that gets very little attention. These kindnesses bring me to tears, and completely floor me. I was raised to take care of things. My parents taught me well. And, I really try to do everything around my home. But, like a farm widow in the 1800's, sometimes I get overwhelmed. I pick my battles. My health, my backyard, and my car take the brunt of the neglect. Looking at the hubcaps on my car made me super emotional today. My car hasn't been this clean since the Clinton administration.

I want to thank all of those who constantly provide such a good example for me. I am ever mindful of those who are teaching their children that "charity never faileth". Realize that you are also teaching your child's teacher.