“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.”
John 6:63
On the surface, the pandemic seems to have faded away. The majority of people are not wearing masks anymore, large gatherings are now welcome, and less people are getting sick; however, the deep cuts of this tragedy are still healing. I see it every day as an educator of young children. Students are scarred by the lack of connection in their primary socializing years, and this is affecting their everyday peer interactions and self-regulating skills.
As I’m guiding students and adults through these fresh wounds, I am reminded of John 6:63: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” On the surface, my students seem back to normal, but I know below the flesh their internal well-being is still being renewed. As I pray for my students, I turn to the one true God who can fully renew spirits and breathe fresh life back into them. His teachings, community, and unconditional love give me the tools to help heal those around me. I know many older souls are wounded beyond my classroom, so today, I encourage you to look closer. Whose flesh appears to be healed, but has a gaping hole in their spirit? Perhaps you may even find a hole within yourself. Ask the holy spirit for guidance, and to open your eyes as you gaze beyond the surface.
by Nicole Hamilton
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me to look past the false idols of this world. To know the difference between something that heals the flesh, and something that heals the spirit. I ask the holy spirit to fill my heart to guide me as I seek your presence, words, and community. Lord, I want to be of service to others today, so all are renewed in your unconditional love. In your name we pray, Amen.