Pulling Punches & Pursuing Peace

Two weeks into the school year and it has already happened -- what the headmaster warned me was imminent during his Back to School Night address.  A daughter burst through the door yesterday, breathlessly reporting on a controversial discussion that occurred in a classroom with our very favorite science teacher, Emily Durrell.  (Who gave permission to be identified, in case you were wondering.)

After waiting for the excited rush of information to finally wind down, I firmly planted said child on the sofa, soothed her with an after school snack and started digging for the full story.  No small task when dealing with an eighth grader!  

I mentioned that it might be a good idea to contact the teacher for some clarification, which went over like a lead balloon, as expected.  So a deal was struck that the e-mail would not be sent without her final approval, to avoid being labeled as "that family."  (You know, the family who raises eyebrows at every turn, most especially when theology is involved.)  Ah, the delicate balancing act of every science and religion teacher at a Christian school!

The e-mail was written, edited once or twice and eventually sent, accompanied by prayers for grace and peace.  Hours later and Voila! an equally gracious response from Mrs. Durrell, who actually expressed her gratitude for the inquiry.  A quick and easy discussion filled in the gaps, informed both sides, and established an even closer connection for whatever future drama is sure to unfold in the eighth grade classroom.  

Bless you, Emily, for welcoming our questions, for your wisdom and patience, for helping me teach my daughter why God's prescription for conflict is always the best:  "If your teacher says something you find offensive, don't make assumptions, don't let it fester, don't gossip to your peers.  Ask Mom for wisdom, and then approach your teacher privately and with an open heart.  Gain all the blessings of working through the conflict together -- increased communication, trust and confidence in your teacher's goodwill.  And don't forget the end of my promise: that where two or three Christians are gathered together, I am in the thick of it with them -- even in the midst of their conflict!"  Matthew 18:15-20, liberally SarahPhrased.  (This last verse I find most often quoted regarding worship, when in actuality it is God's finishing touch on dealing with conflict.  How good of Him to remind us that we don't enter the fray alone!)

 

As always, His ways are perfect, and Daughter goes to school today with increased faith, increased confidence, increased love and respect for her teacher.  Praise be to Jesus, whose wisdom is first and foremost meek and peaceable.  Our perfect example, our perfect instructor, our patient Savior.  

James 3:13  “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 17 .... the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”