Whether it’s Red Ribbon Week, Homecoming, or plain ol’ school spirit, here’s a prayer for those who love or loathe dress-up days!
To the God who stretched the necks of giraffes, put eyes on the peacock’s feathers, and gave the turkey its wattle;
To the One who painted the sky, tilted the earth, and set it spinning,
We give you praise for so much silliness.
Now we arrive in socks with tassels, crazy hair, backward clothes, sunglasses and hats, and elaborate outfits from decades gone by.
You placed in us a desire for fun.
When I am tempted to begrudge the shenanigans, teach me to embrace the joy. Our pressures are so great, it can be difficult to allow time for amusement, but we need these moments to build community in our classroom and in our school. They are not wasteful.
When I am tempted to throw in the towel on learning, help me resist. Our time is together is precious and my students’ success, perhaps long and short-term, depend on my commitment to doing my job well every day. Restore my purpose and show me how to use their energy to my instructional advantage.
When the silliness leads to misbehavior and distraction, keep me from grumbling. Remind me that children need frivolity and perhaps I do too. These common experiences and memories of laughter are investments in our relationships with one another.
When I’m tempted to judge either the recklessness or irritability of others, remind me to be patient and kind, knowing that they carry burdens I cannot see.
Amen