Core scripture: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Message: I already feel the weight of it.  This is going to be an exhausting week.  I desperately need that scripture above to survive parent teacher conferences.  They began last night on Zoom after school, and they continue the next three days.  It is going to be a marathon week.

Although I have taught since 2003 and have conducted numerous conferences, I noticed I was slipping a bit last night to begin the week.  It is time to set myself straight so I can give my best the remainder of the week, and there is no better place to go than God’s Word to redirect my thoughts.  Here are some scripture to keep in mind to survive conferences.

• “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8) Start with a positive.  That positive will ease you into the conference, allowing you to build up to struggles the student may be having. 
• “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) God created us all different and unique.  Treat conferences that way.  Have something unique to say about each child.  Don’t get caught saying the same thing over and over again. 
• “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” (Proverbs 12:9) Be truthful.  Don’t sugarcoat anything if there are some issues that need to be addressed, but do so in a loving way.  Find that sweet spot, that happy medium to help the parents understand what is going on.
• “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29) This is important to remember if there is any tension from the parent’s side.  Give them grace.  Listen to their concerns.  Show them the love of Christ in how you react to them.
• “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Pray before your conferences to get your heart in the right mindset.  I totally negated this last night, and it showed.  Be in communion with the Lord as you talk to parents before, during, and afterwards. 

It is time to set myself straight today.  The scripture above will help, and I hope it provides you encouragement as well.  Best of luck to all those who are slugging their way through conferences this week.  The Lord is with you, and He will guide you every step of the way!

Challenge: Meditate on the scripture above.  Share them with a fellow believer to help them through conferences.  Reply back to this blog if you have any other scripture that come to mind for parent teacher conferences.  The more minds we involve, the better we will become!

Prayer points: Please pray for the following areas:

• Pray for our teachers to connect effectively with parents this week during conferences.
• Praise God our district is transitioning from hybrid back to full-time in person learning on March 1.

Just for fun: One of my remote students brings her Baby Yoda to Zoom every day.  She even changes her screen name to Baby Yoda.  She has yet to start talking like Baby Yoda, but that may be soon to come.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the opportunity to connect with parents this week.  Please help us communicate effectively to push our students to academic success.  Amen.