Counselor’s Corner - January 30, 2023 Issues

Dear Teacher,

I was in the fourth grade, he was in the third.  I was the "new girl," having just arrived in January, not yet having experienced my new school's holiday traditions.  So I was unaware that students gave one another REAL gifts, especially to the one that had caught their eye of affection.  Although I did know I had caught Jeffrey's affectionate eye, I did not know the custom of Valentine's gift giving.  So when my mom deliberately took me to the store to "shop for something special for Jeffrey," I hastily chose a head-sized Hershey kiss and thought nothing of it.  It was only when I entered my classroom on Valentine's Day and was presented with a gorgeously wrapped teddy bear that I realized I'd missed my mom's "love nudge."   You see, she knew about the teddy bear gift and, in her own hinting way, was coaxing me to give back.

But you, teacher, there in your classroom, get "love nudges" all the time.  A "love nudge" might cause you to buy extra coats on your next Costco run for the student who only has a hoodie.  A "love nudge" may propel you to make two sandwiches for the student that forgets theirs.  A "love nudge" happens in the moment you recognize a student needs a hug instead of a high five.  You see, God knows about the needed gifts for students and will "love nudge" your heart to act on them, just as He commanded:

"Love each other deeply and fully.  Remember the ways that I have loved you, and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways."
John 13:34

Celebrating His "love nudges" as we enter February,
Mindy Salyers
Christian School Counselor