“Be safe today,” said my son as I rushed out the door after we enjoyed the rare occasion of having breakfast together.
How many times has he heard - and still hears - those words come out of my mouth as we both go about our daily tasks?
The blessing in those three words took seconds to say, yet the sentiment stuck, causing me to pause at the end of the day and reflect that safety did surround me. Many miles separate us, but the words are embedded.
As a school year ends and summer schedules begin, what words are on your lips that will be carried in the hearts of students, faculty, staff, families, and neighbors? What words provide that safe and secure environment?
It is refreshing and heartwarming to hear a teacher, administrator, and educational assistant openly tell a student, “I love you.” “Jesus loves you.” “I forgive you.” “You handled that.”
What words will welcome a new teacher who is rushing about, gathering items, learning about a new community to call home, thinking about a new classroom, meeting a new faculty? What time is needed to build the ministry relationship among colleagues, administrators, and mentors?
Meaningful words take just seconds to say.
Before leaving the soil underneath his sandals, Jesus said, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Speaking those words to his disciples probably didn’t take up a lot of time. Reading those words, however, continues to cause the reader to pause and know: I am safe. Today. Every day.
Take a few seconds. Those seconds may just touch a heart for a lifetime.