Have you ever made a decision that changed your entire life?

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to become fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed Him.” Mark 1:16–18 Their lives would never be the same again…The right questions tied together with the right responses, ignite a beautiful symphony of action, hope, healing and love.

For our learning experience this week in class, we did something awesome. We created a fish that was capable of both giving and receiving God’s love, the same way we as humans can give and receive God’s love. All it took; one blue solo cup for the body, some white construction paper for the eyes and tail, a few markers, a little bit of string, and we were ready. Once our fish were created we were ready to become not only fishermen, but also fishers of men.

My third-grade class looked at me puzzled. They didn’t understand what being “fishers of men” had meant… yet! I had them picture us going down to the water, baiting the hook and casting out the line so that we could catch some fish. Then I asked them what it would look like if we were to become fishers of men.

To be a fisher of men:

1. First, we have to receive God’s incredible love for us. I picked up some foam figures of baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and shared with my students the Christmas story. After I told them the story, I placed the Holy Family figures into the mouth of the cup to show them how the Christmas story now lives within us. Now, we can share that story with others, or in other words, cast our line. Holding the fish cup that contained the story of Jesus birth and the love of Mary and Joseph, I cast out my line. I asked my students to pretend as though they were the fish that got hooked. With that I reeled them in. We shared a good laugh as they “swam” up to their webcams so that all I could see was their eyes.
2. God can draw others closer to Himself when evidence of His presence shows in and through us. Stating a fact, I let my class know that God had a great plan and a purpose for each one of them and how special and wonderful they were made in His image. All they had to do was cast the line, God will reel the right people in when the time is right.
3. Our response is important because it’s life changing. As I watched their eyes widen, I knew they now contained the treasure of understanding what it meant to be fishers of men. Not only do teachers play a critical part in the lives of their students, I am realizing more and more that students also play a major part in many hallmark moments for a teacher.

As we dive into Scripture, we can find a treasure of wealth. Through the stories of fish and fishermen there is bountiful food for our souls. From feeding the hungry to sharing God’s love in the streets… discussing how we can become fishers of men with my ready and waiting third-graders, I saw them grow eager to go out and cast their lines.

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 19:14]

To accept this invitation of God’s grace and mercy, is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding responsibilities we will ever have in life. It consists of making the world, here and now, a better place. It also allows us the grace and privilege of setting up a strong foundation for the next generation to soar freely and that they may love and serve our God Most High.

“As for everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears My words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” [Luke 6:46-49]

A teacher is not so much responsible for what our students know, but more so for the seeds we plant to help them grow.

Father in the Name of Jesus, by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, be with us, direct our path, fill us with the riches of Your grace, transform our mind with a healthy balance that is good for our body and soul. Guide us with Your gracious love, that we may press forward to being all that You created us to be. In Your Holy Name we pray… Amen

Sweet blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

Deannadanielle.com

While walking with my grandson, I noticed a heart shaped figure in the road. In that moment, I felt a great sense of joy and comfort in the little reminder of ,God’s Love in the streets… Where ever we are in life, we can be assured that our Lord God is always there with us!