Romans 12:16 – Be sensitive to each other's needs – don't think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don't be conceited. (CJB)

If we learned nothing else, we learned to be sensitive.

Parent-teacher conference day: no teachers look forward to it. Secretly, we probably wish that no parents would schedule a conference, and equally we attempt to deal with issues beforehand so that we don't have to schedule one. The day is long. The stories are, too. One year, the stories seemed to go on forever.

Our middle school secretary sent us the schedule a week before conference day, but we knew that it would likely change. Some of the conferences we had called for; others we hadn't. The schedule showed an almost-filled day. Then, two days before conference day, it was filled. To accommodate one set of parents and avoid scheduling time on another day, we began at 7:30 a.m. — thirty minutes before usual — and ended at 3:45 in the afternoon.

What we saw and heard startled us … somewhat. Most parents are busier than the average bear. Their kids are involved in sports, which require time, money, and travel. In the midst of it, the parents must try to help the students do the homework and projects that we assign, and middle school has six classes. Some of the family dynamics were complicated.

Although no parent said it, we heard their messages. They didn't know what to do. Life was difficult. They wished that we wouldn't assign projects or assignments. Did some of them need to make better choices? Maybe. Were some of them tired because of their own decisions? Perhaps. But their reality was their reality — good or bad — self-inflicted or not.

Nevertheless, we sympathized with them. Life in the twenty-first century isn't easy — nor is parenting. So, we listened, learned, and gave advice where we could. Relationships are key, and we consider ourselves partners with them in rearing and educating their children.

Paul encouraged the first-century believers in Rome to be sensitive to each other's needs. The advice is still good. Jesus was, and we should follow His example. Busyness will keep us from realizing others' needs. We can get so wrapped up in our "stuff" that we have no time to deal with or listen to others' stuff. But that's not how God designed us to live life.

Slowing down, being intentional, and looking and praying for opportunities are ways to sensitize ourselves to others' needs. Life, after all, is about loving God and others. Sensitivity isn't always easy — especially when we see people making bad decisions or putting themselves into unhealthy situations — but we can't let those things dampen our sensitivity.

Although I don't enjoy conference day, I develop a different perspective about the students and parents as I hear their stories.

What steps can you take to be more sensitive to others' needs?

Prayer: Father, help us to be sensitive to the needs of others, regardless of why they have those needs. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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