A servant's heart

Two years ago I transitioned out of the classroom into a technology support role in my school district. Four of us were designated “Technology Integration Specialists.” (We were amused by the title because none of us felt very “specialized” at that point.) Although the other three had been employed in the same school district, we had only a passing acquaintance.

From our very first meeting we four, plus our curriculum director (assigned to supervise and keep us in line, I presume!), established a relationship of mutual trust and respect. Working with this group helped make the last two years of my teaching career very fulfilling ones. With two of us retiring, we met one more time for lunch a few days ago. As I drove home, I contemplated what it was that was special about this group of five individuals who gelled and functioned in a way I’ve too rarely experienced.

Then it came to me: each of my four co-workers has a servant’s heart! Though we never stated it in so many words, when we came together we instinctively knew that we shared these priorities: (1) what was best for our students, (2) what was best for our staff, and (3) what was in the best interest of the school district as a whole.

Egos were never a factor in the group dynamic. We were free to openly and safely express our thoughts on a given matter, agreeing or disagreeing, because we knew the motivation of each of the others, and it was never self-interest. If one made a statement in contradiction to another, we knew that person was only seeking the common good, and that their point of view was worth considering. In such an environment, amazing things can be accomplished!

Paul teaches this in Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” How does one develop a servant’s heart? I’m not sure, but I’m fairly certain of two things: (1) It is a gift from God and (2) He wants each of His children to have one.

Thank you Colleen, Teresa, Mark, and Mickey. I will remember with gratitude the unique working relationship we had.