Friday, February 3, 2017

The Hat Rack




My line of work requires countless “hats” to be worn.  The storyline determines the hat chosen from the rack.  Request often come in for a new “hat” to be placed on the rack.  I wear scrubs each day; but, I am NOT just a school nurse.  I do NOT sit around all day checking for head lice and handing out ice packs.  I leave work heavily burdened with the world.  I leave work running for home to find peace in this troubled times.  I leave work often feeling as though I failed.

Deciphering which “hat” to wear with each story remains the difficult part of each day.  One child needs the mom hat – a hug, reassurance that all will be okay for the next 7 hours and a smile.  Another child needs the disciplinary hat – education on behavior, respect and how to show kindness to others.  Then there is the child needing the nurse hat – suffering from acute or chronic illness, education is required for the child to learn self-care and proper techniques for treatments.  Other hats include protector, listener, encourager, housekeeper, etc. 

My office offers up more than a place to go when feeling ill.  My office transforms to a sanctuary to heal any and every hurt imaginable.  A kid hurt your feelings – come to the nurse.  The bathroom was just too far to hold it – come to the nurse.  That painted line tripped you yet again – come to the nurse.  Breakfast could not fit into the craziness of the morning – come to the nurse.  The list is endless.  A school nurse is NOT just a person in scrubs.  A school nurse offers compassion when needed, love to many tears, medical care to the ill and a smile with every visit.

The impact the school nurse plays, along with every other staff member inside a school, will forever remain important.  Each child enters the building with a different story.  Each child enters the building carrying a heavy load.  Each child enters the building in need of a smile and listening ear. 

Some children dread breaks from school.  Why?  Because countless role models exist for them 7 hours of each weekday.  They love the place.  As a staff member inside a school, you stand on the front line.  You have such opportunity to be God’s mighty warrior and fight for little ones striving to understand this thing called life.  You have ability to turn a child’s misery into a grand ministry.  Your actions will forever leave a mark on the hearts of each child.      

During all the crazy occurring on most days, take a deep breath and remember the importance of your position.  This holds true for any individual present in the life of a child.  Children walk blindly through life, seeking a light to guide.  Children stumble and wait for a hand to help get back up.  Be that light.  Be that hand.  Be a mighty warrior for God. 



18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.  Deuteronomy 4:9

It’s FRIDAY!  I wonder which hats I will wear today?  
  
Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig    

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