Changes and Values

                   We have had some changes this past week at Grace. Mrs. Hoffman left to teach at another school, grades, first, second, and third, joined with fourth and fifth.
Two classrooms that were separate are now one. There are adjustments to be made. We have made many adjustments. We are beginning to work as one. It is interesting to watch the children working together. They are beginning to put each other first. They are beginning to put value on each other.
                As I began to think about this week's message for THE CONNECTION, I read back over some of the one's from past years. One from spring of 2017, made me do some thinking. I've used this as a basis for my message this week.
What do you value?
                Do you have enough?   
                Do you want more?
                Do you look to what others have and think, "If only, I had what someone else has." Or do you think, "Why don't I have enough ____" (you fill in the blank.)
                We as parents and teachers have what can be an over whelming job at times as we attempt to balance our time, talents, and treasures with those we love and work with. At times, it almost seems like we are walking a tightrope and doing a juggling act all at the same time - and we certainly don't want to fall and drop anything. We feel like we are being pulled in many different directions.
                We want to please and help everyone - but we can't!
                There are fires to put out - large fires, medium fires, small fires. Which do we handle? Do we put out the small fire first, which could turn large, or the large fire that might burn itself out?
                We try to be fair - We try to be equal.
                We have to remember there is a difference between being fair and being equal. To be equal means that all are treated the same - NO MATTER WHAT! To be fair means that each is treated rightly according to his/her needs. Sometimes we need to be fair; sometimes we need to be equal with people.
                Everyone wants something - FIRST!
                Jesus had something to say about this. He told us to be like servants - to be first we had to be last. (Matthew 10:16) We had to serve to be first. We are also told that where our treasure is, that is where our heart will be. (Matthew 6:21)
                Sometimes we are so intent on getting our fair share that we fail to remember that we already have more than our fair share.
                Our Father in Heaven gave us more than we deserved. He gave us a promise of more than we deserve. What we deserve is not a life of salvation. Not a single one of us - we are all equal in that we do not deserve to spend life with Him. We deserve a life separate from our loving Father.
                Our Father through His love for us has given us equally a promise of eternal salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ our Savior. We are told this in John 3:16 & 17.
                He did not treat us fairly. He did not give us the fair share - eternal damnation - eternal life separated from Him.
                Our Father doesn't play favorites - He doesn't give any one person more of a chance than another. He doesn't bless one more than another because of who we are - but rather He expects more from us because of what He has given us. We are told in Luke 12:42-48 that those of whom are given much, much is expected of us. This covers all things. Our time, our talents, our treasures, and YES, our faith.
                This past week, I have had to balance between being equal and fair as we pulled together and started to become one as a classroom.
                So, place your value in the LORD our Savior and follow His lead as a servant leader.
© vjhelmling