Being Kind in the Work Place...

Love this! "At the beginning of school one year, we did a team building activity as a campus. We were told to remember something hurtful that someone said to us. When then thought of something, we wished we had heard. We then got in 2 circles...an inner and outer one. The person standing behind us whispered those wishful words in our ear. We then moved around the circle until each person had whispered those words in each person's ear and we then switched the inner and outer circles.

It seems we all had longed to hear similar words and almost none of those words had anything to do with our outer appearance or how smart we were. We had wanted to be told we were important, cherished, valued, and worthwhile. We also realized how it was easier to remember those negative and hurtful words.

Have you ever heard what might be considered kind and sweet words delivered in a sarcastic tone or even by someone you are so used to hearing speak in a mean, bully voice? It is easy in that moment to be judgmental and think to ourselves that we would never speak to a child that way. But you have to remember and think about how you are only hearing a snippet of their conversation but in that moment impressions are made and conclusions are drawn.

I know there have been times I wish I could not only take back what I said but take back the tone of voice I used. I try and apologize to my kiddos when that happens but I know there are times I might not even realize I have hurt their heart.

Our words can be mirrors. They not only reflect our hearts but the can also be the ever present image of God in our lives...a reflection and light for others.

It is easy to let the pain of hurtful words cause us to not respond in kindness and patience. How we react to our kiddos teaches them how to react to others.

When you walk onto your campus, you are a mirror that others are looking into. What do they see?"

See the entire post at Heather's Heart: What to Say....:

This touches close to home and my hope is that we as teachers, model good behavior and set a good 
example for our kiddos.  Although we may not always agree with one another, personal differences should be put aside so we can all work together to ensure our scholars are successful citizens.