There are three vignettes in this chapter. I’ve chosen a line from the second one about Hagar and Ishmael. In verses 17-21 we read how God responded to Hagar’s cry and “the boy’s” voice.
God speaking: “What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.”
The rest of the passage details how God saved them both and promised to make a great nation from Ishmael. I chose this passage because Hagar’s cry reminds me of the troubles of my students. When they are struggling, they ‘lift up their voices.” Often times, their troubles include overwhelming loads of homework from other classes. It is gratifying to be able to say, “Don’t worry. I’ve heard about the tests coming up. We will take some time from our ensemble class as a study hall.”
Take the time to know what is happening with the larger campus, including other teachers and the overall student body. You can alter your rehearsal calendar, or modify your lesson plans to ‘save’ your musicians from the challenges they face. And, you can be ‘with them.’ I have read students’ papers for other classes, printed out their homework on my office printer so they can turn it in on time, and sacrificed part of a block rehearsal so they could catch up on other subjects. And now that they know that I know they have other things in their lives besides band, they work harder for me and for themselves when we are rehearsing.