“The Paint Job”

Dear Teacher,  

I recently saw a social media post on a home design and decor page.  Along with the attached picture, it read the following:

"We just moved into this house and found the previous owners had painted around all their furniture.   So obviously we need to redecorate as we will never match the paint." 

I recoiled at the sight of bare wall, clearly intended to remain unexposed behind so-called permanent furniture.  "Why would they not simply move the structure to get the job done," I wondered.  My mind jumped to the Luke 5:17-26 story of four guys who didn't let a roof structure stand in their way of getting the job done.  Instead, they removed the roof without hesitation in order to get their friend healing from the Healer. 

And you, teacher, there in your classroom, may need to move some intended-to-be-permanent structures at your school.  Structure removal may be ridding your team of "the-way-it's-always-been-done" mindset.  It could it be structure removal means changing the school board's thinking from "how-the-last-principal-did-things."  Maybe structure removal means rewriting disciplinary procedures and handbook policies to be more grace-filled and restorative.  Whatever your school's 'structures' are that block student's Jesus-access, may you not be afraid to move them out of the way to get the job done!

Moving with you!
Mindy
Christian Educator & School Counselor