Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

The above picture could’ve been me a couple Wednesday nights ago at Superbook Academy, a children’s outreach program at our church. Well, that could’ve have been me except I have grey hair and a lot more wrinkles. But the emotion in the picture captures how I felt.

The kids were squirrely. They wouldn’t sit still in their seats. They wouldn’t be quiet. They didn’t sing the songs. They didn’t even shout the songs. They SCREAMED the songs at ear-shattering decibels. It was one of those nights that challenged my sanity and made me wonder what in the world I was doing there, at my age no less.

I’m going to be honest with you. I didn’t pray before heading to church. I thought about it earlier in the day. Actually, the Holy Spirit prompted me to pray but I shrugged off His promptings. I so wish I would’ve heeded His voice. He knew I needed the prayer reinforcement but I didn’t see the need. After all, things had been going pretty well on Wednesday nights.

While the kiddos were watching the Superbook video lesson, I humbly sat in a chair off to the side of the group. And I began to pray. I repented for not obeying the Holy Spirit. I repented for thinking my abilities were sufficient. I prayed for the children and the remainder of the night.

As the saying goes, “When all else fails, pray.” Unfortunately, that’s bogus advice. Why did I wait until things got bad to pray? In all situations, instead of praying after everything else fails, I need to learn to take it to the Lord first. Every time.

Lesson learned this time.

If I could only give teachers (school or church) one piece of advice, what would it be? Good question. I’m thinking, I’m thinking.

Although it’s important, for my one piece of advice, I wouldn’t tell them to get as much education for themselves as they possibly can.

Although it’s important, for my one piece of advice, I wouldn’t remind them they are the adult in every situation that arises.

Although it’s important, for my one piece of advice, I wouldn’t encourage them to take advantage of conferences and training opportunities to hone their teaching skills.

Although it’s important, for my one piece of advice, I wouldn’t suggest they learn how to network with other teachers, administrators, school or churches.

Although it’s important, for my one piece of advice, I wouldn’t encourage them to stay the course and utilize their lesson plans daily (or weekly for Sunday School and children’s church).

Although it’s important, for my one piece of advice, I wouldn’t encourage them to communicate honestly and openly with parents.

Although it’s important, for my one piece of advice, I wouldn’t challenge them to be well-prepared for each lesson, even though the students can tell if they are or not.

The one piece of advice I’d give is this…for them to be real with their students. Make sure their love and concern are not an act. Anything less than being real will cause the children to shut them out because they can spot a phony a mile away. If they do all that is listed above but neglect to genuinely care for and be interested in each child in their charge, all will be for naught.

That is the one piece of advice I’d give above all others. What’s yours?