Change Someone’s Day by Noticing

My friend’s day changed when someone noticed. Angela, a young wife and mother of three, gave me permission to share her recent online post: To the mama in the Target parking lot that saw me struggling to unload three kids and yelled across the parking lot, “You’re doing great, Mama,” thank you for seeing me. To the mama in Chick-Fil-A who helped me lug my crew out to my van, thank you for seeing me. To the mama in Kroger who offered to give me a hand grocery shopping with my kiddos, thank you for seeing me. To each of…

Three Ways to Bless Teachers as a New School Year Begins

Vacation time has ended and back-to-school sales fill newspapers and websites. Arms laden with newly-purchased supplies, teachers are scurrying to prepare for a new school year. As a retired teacher, I know well the level of energy educators require, especially in August and September. The work of preparation (lesson plans, family needs, bulletin boards, classroom design, data entry, meetings, committee work, and more) must take place BEFORE students arrive. Most teachers work long weekday hours and on weekends to ensure a smooth beginning and successful year. Prayer is the most powerful way to influence the lives of educators and students.…