Not-So-Secret Angels

I know, I know. I'm a terrible blogger, but here I am! Some things are just blog worthy. :)

My 2nd graders (along with the other two classes) are doing "Secret Angel" these last couple of weeks before Christmas break. I joined the second grade team for the first time this year, and this is one of the many awesome traditions set. I'm crazy about it. All kiddos filled out an information page of their favorite things, drew out of a basket, and are sworn to secrecy as to not give anything away. For those of you wondering...yes, they do this very well! Their first gift requirement was to write their Secret Angel a letter, which was due yesterday. I'm really sorry you didn't get to see these notes. Sweet and so very funny. Not only did they write a letter, but many attached their Angel's favorite candy or book or drink with it. One of the highlights of my year so far was not only seeing their excitement as they dropped their gifts into the box when they got to school, but watching them come into the room later to find the letters and gifts from their Secret Angels sitting on their desks. Pure happiness, joy, and delight. I smile just thinking about it.


The Scripture verse we're focusing on this year is 1 John 3:18, "Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth." My heart is still warm and fuzzy from a class talk we had yesterday...regarding Secret Angels and this exact Bible Verse. I encouraged my kids to say a prayer for their friend every time they drop their gift into the Secret Angel drop box. I told them to ask God to bless their friend and help them through the day. I also encouraged them to pray for themselves- to ask God to teach THEM something as they are giving and being a blessing. As 7 and 8 year olds, they are loving with actions and in truth. They are experiencing what it means to love on others and bless people. They are learning that we don't give just to receive, but that because we love Jesus, we encourage, we say kind things, we build each other up, we pray for each other. They are doing just that. I got to hear these prayers out of their own hearts and mouths this morning. All I can say is God is so good. My prayer and that He continues to give them these desires to lift others up, to be blessings, and to serve as they grow in their faith and walks with Him. Reasons why my job is the greatest. :)


Always, the Lord uses my students to reveal things to me, which can get pretty hard. :) He shows me things daily through these people I spend my days with, and I really am extremely thankful for it. This is something that really tugged on my heart yesterday. When we get so busy meeting daily requirements of our jobs, families, and life in general, I know it gets hard to focus on much else. We have gifts to buy, gifts to wrap, parties to throw, food to make, houses to clean, kids to bathe, deadlines to meet, alarm clocks to hit snooze through (if you're like me), traffic to grumble through (if you're like me), and the list goes on and on. However, the words He gave me yesterday to share with my babes, I needed. So, here's your encouragement as well!


Let's spend some time this Christmas to live out 1 John 3:18. Live out the gospel...share the gospel! Leave some notes (handwritten), buy the food or coffee for the person behind you in the drive-thru, strike up encouraging conversations for people who need it, smile a little more, thank someone for their hard work, and you get my drift. :)


It's Jesus' birthday. Make Him famous all for His glory. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16


Happy Christmas to all and all a good night.
<>< Katie