This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
(1 Corinthians 12:25-26, NLT)
Last month when I met with the faculty and staff before departing for home, I introduced an activity that I hope will become part of the fabric of the Donum Dei community as we do life together as members of one body, the Body of Christ. It was patterned after a custom that I inherited from my last school, Legacy Christian Academy, that came to be known as “The Faculty Blessing.”
Once a month the entire Legacy faculty and staff met for a full day of professional development that included a special time of fellowship during the lunch hour. At the end of the hour, I would read emails that I had been copied on that praised or thanked a classroom teacher, administrator, or support staff member who had served a child well, gone the extra mile in her or his duties, or extended a special kindness or devotion to the welfare of others that was recognized and appreciated by a parent or colleague. I prefaced the reading of the emails by referencing the above Scripture in which the Apostle Paul reminds the church that they are part of the unified Body of Christ, and as a part of one body they both suffer and rejoice together.
What made this time special was the fact that no one was jealous or resentful that one of their colleagues was the object of praise. Instead, everyone in the room genuinely rejoiced upon hearing the blessing and applauded the person being praised. I can say this time together became one of the most cherished moments in the life of the school. Faculty and staff left the meeting full of encouragement and affirmation for being recognized as worthy servants.
Parents, as you seek to praise and affirm your child’s teacher or a member of the staff for their extraordinary service, would you please copy me on that email? It is my great privilege and pleasure to share these praises with our faculty and staff and bestow upon them the blessings they richly deserve. Thank you for helping me bless our worthy servants.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Bill