Sugar-Coated Offering
Dear Teacher,
John and Stella Chan have owned Donut City in Seal Beach, California for 35 years. In that time, they've worked nearly every single day from 4:00am to whenever the day's donuts are sold out.
However, one Saturday afternoon, Stella began to feel dizzy and lay down for a nap. A couple hours later, John tried to wake her up, but to no avail. At the hospital, it was determined that she had experienced a brain aneurysm, limiting her capacity to speak, walk, or eat on her own. With a long road of recovery ahead of her, John was conflicted by his need to stay be her side and care for her, and the need to run Donut City in order to pay medical bills.
Faithfully, John showed up to work the next morning, just like he always did. However, Stella's absence was obvious and, when neighbors learned what happened, they offered to start a fund for the family. However, John refused the help, saying that he was still able to work and wanted to take care of the bills himself. Instead, the community showed up to the shop first thing in the morning to buy out the inventory early so John could be with his wife! They did this for months, enabling John to close shop by 7:00am and care for his wife! During that time, Stella was able to make a full recovery, thanks, in part, to the outpouring of LOVE from the community.
And you, Teacher, there in your classroom, carefully outpour LOVE on a daily basis. You, like John and Stella's community, walk the fine line of acknowledging a student's ability level and meeting their needs. You offer help in a way that is dignity-preserving, spirit-empowering, and student-centered. LOVE in your classroom may not come in the form of donuts, but it often comes in other forms of offering:
A granola bar and a "I'm so glad you're here!" to the tardy student
An extra coat purchase during your Costco run to replace a student's thin jacket
Making Valentine's celebrations equity-conscious for students who may have meager financial ability
However you choose to show LOVE this month, your outpouring and generous heart makes a difference for each child.
Sending a sugar-coated 'thank-you' your way!
Mindy
Christian Educator & School Counselor