by Darin Lewis
My deep hope for my students is for them to be ripe in the fruits of the Spirit. I hope others will witness their ripe fruit, and then taste and see that the Lord is good. In 2nd grade, we share together how we see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control throughout the year in one another. I say, “Can I get a witness?” The kids share how they’ve witnessed a particular fruit in someone in our class. It’s a way we can positively uplift and compliment great character.
As we practice letter writing, I’ve taught 2nd grade to be an encouragement by writing “Letters of Love.” I ask the kids, “Do you know someone who could use a letter of love in their life…someone who may be going through a difficult time?” The kids share and we all participate by writing a letter to that person.
Our entire class was impacted this year through this sharing. One student’s mom had brain surgery because of a tumor. Another student’s mom experienced a miscarriage with her baby girl. A grandma had cancer treatment. A grandpa passed away. A teacher’s mom had surgery.
All of these instances became opportunities for us to be ripe in the fruits of the Spirit. Second grade wrote letters of love to share Scripture and sympathy for those experiencing difficult circumstances. Some of our letters received a response, and 2nd grade then got to hear exactly how their letter impacted someone.
There’s power in a handwritten letter that shares Scripture. I love that at Bellingham Christian School, we’re given the freedom to share Christ with real people who have real needs. Second graders are learning to recognize these real needs and how they can be God’s hands and feet in their faith.
Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.