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Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
-Phil. 4:8
Over the course of this school year, I have heard parts of this message from different places. One part that resonates with me is that what we say in our minds and aloud from our mouths has a significant impact. In listening to Jon Acuff talk about his book Soundtracks and the ways that what we say to ourselves or repeat what we hear others say about us can determine how we navigate through challenges in our lives.
One way I have seen this lived out, in one of the most positive ways, is through Will’s 1st grade teacher. Every day of school since August, she begins the day with a call and response motivational message. It’s the same message every day, and throughout the year different students had an opportunity to lead the class in it. I witnessed a video early in the year of the class saying these words together. Here is an excerpt…
“Why are my expectations so high? Because you believe in us!... So mistakes are okay? Yes, because mistakes are how we learn… Repeat after me… I belong. I’m important. I am loved…” They end looking at the person beside them and saying, “Today is going to be a great day! I’ve got this… You’ve got this…”
This class has thrived in one of the most challenging years I have lived through. They started school together in August and have not stopped. They made it through the entire year together in the classroom and will finish on Thursday, a class full of smart, kind, energetic, and compassionate 1st graders. I believe this is in large part due to the words that begin their day.
What words do you begin your day with and how can you speak kindness, compassion and encouragement to yourself and those you encounter today?
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