Handwritten notes. Flowers picked on the playground. A birthday cupcake. Coffee mugs. Baked goodies during the holidays. Gift cards to the local coffee shop.

Anyone recognize where this list comes from? Many acts of kindness have crossed my desk over my 25 years of teaching. Each gift given with joy. Each gift given with love. Each gift given with a smile.

I always find it interesting how well my students know me. This becomes obvious when a gift arrives. While my class time focus stays on the content, somewhere along the way my students pick up on small clues of what brings me joy and what makes me happy.

I am never sure each student understands how meaningful these gifts truly are. Most seem simple to them. “I just picked it up at the beach.” “My mom’s chickens lay a lot of eggs.” “Have you ever had these snacks? They have chocolate and marshmallows. I thought you might like to try them.”

This reminds me that within the chaos of a schoolyear (particularly the past two years), I am still connecting with students. When the days seem long, my students still see me as a human that they care about. As the weight of the responsibility bares on my shoulders daily, I can rest in knowing that God cares for me and my students.

I want to encourage you. Classroom days are often hard. The schoolyear brings challenges never anticipated. Students’ lives are filled with difficulties they should not have to bear. God is using you in these moments. You are an important part of your student’s day and are appreciated.

We are reminded often in Scripture that God will “never leave us or forsake us” (Deut. 31:6). He will walk with us when the days are hard and we face unexpected challenges, He will be with us as we guide our students through each school day.