One morning this past December, our second graders went caroling at our early education campus as part of music class. On their return to school, they decided to stop and sing at a neighbor’s house that a teacher knew from church. Unknown to students or staff, she had just received a difficult medical diagnosis that morning and was touched by the presence and singing of the second graders.

After later learning of the diagnosis, teachers and students discussed what they could do to be community builders and support this school neighbor. Students decided letters of encouragement would be helpful and they wanted to start working immediately. They grabbed supplies, looked up Bible verses they thought would be encouraging, and dove in, taking ownership of the work! After their first trip, the students also learned that this neighbor’s favorite song is “Trust and Obey.” They are currently learning this hymn in music and plan to return and bless this neighbor once again.

The best part of this experience is that the original plan was to carol at the early education campus. The music curriculum calls for second-grade students to learn singing, and the teachers thought caroling would be a great experience for students because it provides a real audience for the gift of music. Thankfully, God had a far bigger plan as the singing and letters that followed very much impacted this neighbor. What started as a simple music lesson turned into true formational learning. What we thought was a random stop on the way back to school, God used to bless one of His children that needed to feel His presence.

Our hope and prayer is that our students learn and grow, but more importantly, are open to how God leads and will let God use them for furthering His kingdom!