May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us.—Psalm 90:17 (NIV

My fourth-grade students asked why I was crying as they lined up in the hallway. They had put sticky notes on a wall in the entryway of the school where I work as an elementary school counselor. Each student, from kindergarten through fourth grade, had written something about kindness throughout the month and posted it on what we called the Kindness Wall. 

I asked the fourth graders what they had learned from the activity. A dozen students raised their hands. One said he hoped people of different colors would stop hating each other. Another said kindness can help someone who is depressed. One girl said when you include someone, you make a difference in their life. 

Their words were powerful. My tears were happy tears, I told them. Inwardly, I praised Jesus for showing up in such an unexpected way at my job. Rarely do I make time to pray during my workday. Too often I read my morning devotional and rush off to work, disconnecting Jesus from my daily activities. Would Jesus show up even more if I asked Him to do so? 

The experience challenged me to make a habit of praying through my workday. Now I’m more aware of where Jesus is working and how He may show up, using His powerful presence to move me to tears.

Faith Step: Invite Jesus to join you in your daily activities at work, at home, or in your community by praying throughout the day. Make note of how you experience His presence in both big and small ways.