Lord, it is the time of the year when I will meet with the parents and guardians of all my students. I will sit on this side of the threshold while they file in, listen to my prepared monologue, and file out.
There is information that must be shared with everyone. Help me to remember that though I’ve said it many times, it is all new for the person in front of me. When I must share information specific to individual students, let me speak with compassion. When speaking about someone’s child, there is always danger of offense. They love their children fiercely, at time recklessly, and I must balance gentleness with truth. Let me avoid tip-toeing and show kindness through clarity. Make my care evident though my words and tone.
Be with the families as they make arrangements to meet. Clear their paths for childcare, time away from work, and transportation. May they feel welcomed as they enter our building and confident as they come into our classroom.
I pray that our season of meetings is productive and more than routine. May we all find value and discovery in the time we spend together.
Amen