This week in our life group at church, we were introduced to the 5 Love Language Quiz for children! I had taken the quiz many years ago for adults (My top 2 are Acts of Service and Quality Time – if you’re wondering), but I hadn’t thought to give it to Tate. What a great reminder to do our best to intentionally love each other well – and what a difference the small things make. Right now, things are in chaos, and the closer the election gets, and the longer COVID still exists, the most important thing still remains – love.

I know this may seem cliche, but I want to take us back to that for a minute. We’re going to be talking about this for the next couple of blogs, but we’ve got to get back to the basics here.

First, with our families! Here is the link to the free quiz. www.5lovelanguages/quizzes. Ya’ll, I feel very strongly that the anecdote to stress and overwhelm is love. When we feel and give love, we are stronger and more capable in the rest of life. When we serve others in love, our own grief and anxiety lessens.

Second, with our students. I feel like too many educators are losing sight of this in the midst of being overworked and overwhelmed. You are overworked. You are tackling a near-impossible task. But the fact remains that you were given your students in front of you, whether virutally or in your class, for a reason, and nothing can take away your ability to love them. Love them well, and learning will follow suit.

Third, yourself. Now if you know me, you know I do not believe in the sentiment of putting yourself first or making yourself #1 (I know, that may be an unpopular opinion), but you have to give yourself grace right now! Whether you are a parent navigating your children at home or trying to make difficult decisions for your family, or a teacher feeling like a failure because you can’t seem to reach all of your kids, give yourself grace. Rest on the weekends (work will always be there), connect well with your students (make that the priority – learning will take place with connections), and find joy in the struggle.

We are in the habit at my house of sharing at least 1 good thing that happened during the day. Last night, it was “this food” from husband, after a particularly difficult day. There’s always something good, even right now.

Remember that we love you, and we appreciate you, and we are here provide support in whatever way we can!

YouTube: For free strategies in short videos to use right now: https://youtu.be/fCLn8IV7ukU

Podcast: Friday, my interview with Dr. Shauna Sobers on communicating well across cultures will go live! Click here for the latest episode or search wherever you listen to your podcasts: Teaching By Reaching with Jenn Kleiber

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Twitter: @onwardpressing

Thank you for loving kids!