Recently, I have seen on FB things like "put God back in schools," "let's get God back into our schools etc.." I get the meaning, I do. I love to hear a prayer before a sporting event asking God's protection on players, and soliciting good sportsmanship. I make no apology for believing in the power of prayer, though I must be honest in admitting I have neither explanation nor understanding why some prayers seem to be answered and others do not. I don't know, yet I still believe, and, frankly, I am not sure why my faith is unwavering. Certainly, I have been disappointed on numerous occasions when my prayers seem to have gone unheard. Maybe that is a blog for another day.
My contention is that God has not dropped out of our schools. I think He is present in ways far more powerful than a worded prayer. God is in the student who chooses to be inclusive rather than exclusive, and makes a point to be kind to classmates in spite of their popularity or lack thereof. God is in the student who stands up for those being bullied. God is also present when that same student understands that the bully is hurting and scared. God shows up when a student realizes he forgot to study for a test but chooses to take a bad grade rather than cheat. God is in the student who makes the hard choice to not go along with the crowd.
God is in the teacher who diligently prepares for class in order to give her students her best effort. God is in the teacher who guides and corrects and does not belittle and berate. God is in the teacher who taps into his or her creativity to develop different ways to teach so that unique learners have a chance at success. God is in that teacher who comes early and stays late. God is in teachers who teach students, not subjects, who understand the whole point of this thing is to create an environment where kids learn to be productive adults. God is in the teacher who demands excellence but recognizes effort when excellence is not achieved.
God is in the cafeteria worker who puts a little extra food on a plate for a child whose only meal that day will be at school. God is in the janitor who cleans well so that children have a safe environment. God is in the principal who holds teachers, parents, and students accountable. God is in the coach who knows it is not about the game, it is about life. God is in the school bookkeeper who can be trusted to handle funds properly. God is in the school nurse who lovingly tends to runny noses, vomiting children, and those who just need a little attention.
God is not a dropout. God does not need an invitation back into our schools. He does not need an act of Congress to be present, nor can laws keep Him away. He is there.
For today, I wish you an awareness of God's presence and I wish you
blessings
