As a public school teacher, there is one thing I’m sure of: Educators will do anything to protect students from harm. I’ve also found out how important it is to support this resolution with daily prayer. The Bible promises: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10). I’m grateful for this assurance that God is present and active in my life and in my students’ lives.
When a 12-year-old Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem for three days, Mary and Joseph, thinking he was in their group, traveled a day’s distance, then returned and searched for their son in the crowded city. When they finally found him, his mother cried: “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” He replied: “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (see Luke 2:41–49).
This exchange helps me think about the way we see the children in our lives. Rather than fearfully worrying about them, we can acknowledge their true nature as the children of God, divine Spirit. Even though Jesus fulfilled a unique role, in reality all children are naturally “about their Father’s business,” expressing the qualities that come from God.
