Being a Marigold

LSEM > stories > Uncategorized > Being a Marigold

Being a Marigold

No Comments

“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

A fellow LSEM teacher, Brook Weise, wrote a devotion and shared it with my regional LSEM cohort. It was about the importance of being a marigold, not a walnut. Marigolds are companion plants that make everything near them healthier and more productive. Barnabas was a marigold. His very name means “Son of Encouragement.” (Acts 4:36-37) In other words, be a marigold or encourager like Barnabus.

Walnut trees, on the other hand, are very different. They make survival difficult for other plants around it. They release toxins into the soil and make growth nearly impossible. We all have marigolds and walnuts in our lives. Those who lift us up versus those who drain and discourage us.

I really loved the metaphors in this devotion. Brooke gave me permission to share her devotion with my staff. I also printed and laminated a picture of a marigold for each staff member. They loved it as well and it brings me a lot of joy to walk into their classrooms when I pull students and see their marigold displayed on their laptop or whiteboard.

Additionally, I shared the devotion with the K-8 students I serve daily. I relayed that encouragement is not just a nice extra, it’s a command from God for His people. He knows how much we need one another to stay strong in faith and life. Last week, a reader was struggling a bit in one of my groups. A friend in the group jumped to his aid and said “You can do it. Tap the word out.” The struggling reader replied, “Thanks for being a marigold!” My heart was full! Moments like that remind us that the seeds we plant in faith truly do grow. God is doing something special in that child’s heart, and it shines so brightly in the way others are shown love. What a remarkable gift to share!

Although I love teaching reading and math to my students, having the opportunity to teach scripture as well is what it’s all about! Ask yourself: What kind of plant am I for the people God has placed around me?