Ever used the term “pleaser” when describing a student?
Snooky was a “pleaser” – not a student, Snooky was our first dog and she joined us before our kids were born. Diane and I got her as a pup from a farmer up in Michigan’s Thumb, and she was part of the family for 17 wonderful years. Snooky was a “pleaser” which really made her popular with Diane. Diane will tell you that there never was a more well-behaved dog, and she was great with the kids. Snooky that is…well, Diane, too.
Lots of stories about Snooky, but one that really exemplifies why I call her a “pleaser” has to do with the tricks she could perform. Snooky could sit, shake hands, lay down (‘lie’ down? – she seemed to know what I meant), and roll over. As with most dogs, we taught her the various tricks by rewarding her with a treat until she learned the command.
By comparison, our current cat, Ginger, is going on 13 and still only knows and responds to the sound of the cupboard where her cat food is kept…and she doesn’t do any tricks. But we love her.
What classified Snooky as a “pleaser” is the fact that after learning all the various commands and tricks, only one command was ever necessary: “Sit.” Saying “Sit” to Snooky resulted in her sitting, lifting her right paw to shake hands, laying down on the ground and then rolling over. She knew where everything was going and didn’t bother us with repeating all the commands. One word, “sit,” resulted in her going through the entire routine and then jumping up, tail wagging and waiting for a treat.
I’ve had lots of “pleasers” in Lutheran schools…but they aren't typically the most frequent visitors to my office. The kids that are more often in my office, while pleasing to be with “one on one” as we often say, are usually at the opposite end of the spectrum from the “pleasers.” But we love them just the same. The “pleasers” have their place in our classrooms, their families, our schools, and we thank God for their presence and the good examples they set.
However, I also give God thanks and am pleased to receive those other students into my office. They are the ones who are not wired the same way as the “pleasers,” but they, also, make my day interesting, enjoyable, and God-pleasing. I thank God for the opportunities He provides in meeting with and ministering to them.
Praise God for all His little children!