In order to effectively teach it’s critical to master being concise.

If we cannot teach what we know in concepts that:

Children

can understand then…

…we are not equipped to teach adults. Plus, they are just bigger kids with responsibilities, resources, and titles. Oh, and often with deeply rooted unaddressed traumas so prepare to get tantrums that will make the “terrible twos” look TEARrific!

It’s not personal, forgive and remain firm to keep them on their learning track. They have business to handle with the Father Of Lights, let him handle the “fight”.

We are to cling to Jesus so we remain compassionate and know how to hide in God’s presence for refuge. Oh, the best safe retreat!

You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me. Psalm 119:14

If we are a leaders that talk harshly to children – then we do not know how to lead.

May we increase in being gentle and gracious when teaching as we have needed this ourselves, and still do.

Plus, when evaluating my own life I realize there are sooo many choices that I made which ooze with “that was dumb”, yet the Lord permitted this so that I could deeply learn myself and become someone that could get things done for the Kingdom & to empower others to do the same, without shame. I strive to impart my personal lessons and God given wisdom in a way that deters people from the same pits I fell into! Oh, I want this soooo bad -> so others can run further and faster than me without avoidable mistakes weighing them down.

Raise your hand if you’ve had to repeat a lesson a million times, yet given the opportunity to retake as if you haven’t “failed” previously? Pssst, I’ve got both my hands up! In fact, they are going up and down – as this lifelong learning journey has been a rollercoaster ride!

Praise The Lord For Retakes!

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” Lamentations 3:22-23

Being able to emotionally regulate is a must have skill for when those we teach are not catching on “quick enough”, we’re frustrated, or over-stimulated. Personally, an area that I have to continue asking God to help me in. You know how that last nerve can get werked to the nth degree! 🙂

This is where tapping into different strategies to increase the “stickiness” of lessons is key. As I write this, I am reminded that studying the life of Jesus and following his ways of teaching provide a great blueprint. He tapped into using parables and asking questions to challenge current ways of thinking. So although he was teaching, there was a level of introspection that are others were invited into to grow.

Remember, we will always miss the mark. You and I are not Jesus, but followers – he is the greatest teacher to have ever walked on Earth!

If you feel the sting of “Dang, I’ve dropped the ball on teaching”…you are safe and are learning too! Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit to continually teach us and guide us.

Take a deep breathe with me and ask God to forgive you for your shortcomings and for strategy/habits to become better. Apologize to your kiddos, students, mentees -> if necessary, and grow beyond your inner frustrations. It’s necessary to have high standards for ourselves as teachers, but we must remember that we will never be perfect. I personally inform those under my care that I am flawed AFizzle and despite my best efforts, I will always fall short.

This grace is not an excuse to be reckless and lacking in integrity. Many have gone that way – may that not be you and I.

It is written:

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. James 3:1

It’s important that those teaching are ruthlessly humanized and not idolized.

What is your approach to teaching?

Love,

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