Everyone likes affirmation. Everyone likes knowing that they have made a difference. The words “well done” confirm that leaders can bestow a huge amount of influence with this simple blessing.
Short. Sweet. Real.
To someone who has invested their lives into teaching and blessing little ones, their praise, their affirmation, comes from students or adults who reflect back and use words like, “my favorite.”
You were my favorite.
Let me translate what they are really saying:
“You meant the world to me when I was little and you greeted me with a smile and a hug. You looked into my eyes when I spoke and listened as I shared my thoughts.
You made me feel
that I was loved,
that I mattered,
that I was important,
that I belong.
That’s how I knew I was was your favorite too!”
So when a title is bestowed on you like, “Favorite Sunday School Teacher,” it’s not just a title of honor. It’s a title of accomplishment and wise investment.
Children are only small in terms of our own physical perspective.
Children are GIANT in terms of potential. They are at their prime of framing a future filled with hope and big dreams. They are learning our job as teachers, parents and leaders and already trying to figure out how to do it better.
The sky is not their limit – it’s the universe!
When a child feels safe, loved and affirmed… we can guarantee a brighter tomorrow for all of us.
That is the gift you offered every week, year after year after year. It was given to children, but we all have benefitted because of it.
The important words in red, that Jesus spoke, say this…
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! ’ (Matthew 25:21 NLT)
Well done Linda, I would say.
And also, “You have been faithful in handling our little ones, so now He has given you more!”
And we ALL celebrate.