The teacher becomes the student

This morning, as the students arrived off of the bus, I was greeted by cheers of delight:  'Mr. Huinink, the snow came!!"  Together, we revelled in the possibilities that their time outside would bring: the forts, the snowmen, the snow angels....

Recess time brought more of the same:  a true delight in the moment, in the gift of a snowfall.

Admittedly, I love snow but had been caught up in the 'business' surrounding it. Snow clearing contracts, possible bus cancellations, shovelling the wet and heavy sludge left by the snowplough.... delight was not my first reaction.

In our schools, one of our deepest hopes is that our children will learn to intuitively delight in the works of the Lord... that they will acknowledge Him for his good works.

Today's prayer requests from the students as we began the day were peppered with a true and deep gratitude to God for the snow this morning.  This teacher became the student as I watched and allowed them to share with me their delight in our Creator.  Perhaps this is what Christ meant also when he informed his disciples that they should have the faith of a child.

Praise the Lord!
I will thank the Lord with all my heart
    as I meet with his godly people.
How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!
    All who delight in him should ponder them.
Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.
    His righteousness never fails.
He causes us to remember his wonderful works.
    How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

Psalm 111:1-4