Be the Lighthouse
There is something peaceful about standing near a lighthouse on the coast of Maine. The salty air, the sound of waves crashing below and steady light beaming out into the sky. It is hard not to pause and reflect.
This summer, as I stood near one of those lighthouses, I could not help but think how much being in the field of Early Childhood Education feels the same. We, as teachers, are lighthouses.
In a world that can feel busy and loud, even for little ones, teachers are steady. We are there every day offering guidance, calm, love, and consistency. Our job is not to steer the ship for them, but to shine a light that points them to what is true, good, and safe. We help them learn, grow, and explore all while showing them the love of Jesus through our actions and our words.
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world.” That light shines not just in the classroom, but across the entire campus. Every moment, from drop-off to dismissal is a chance to reflect God’s love. It all matters. It all shines.
Just like a lighthouse does not get to choose which ships pass by, we may not always see the full impact of what we do. However, our calling is to keep shining. Keep showing up. Keep loving. The light we give today may guide a child in ways we never fully know.
And parents, this includes you, too.
You are your child’s very first lighthouse. Your steady presence, your prayers over bedtime and patience on tough days. It is all part of lighting the way. You may not always feel seen. You may wonder whether your efforts matter. Let me tell you wholeheartedly, they do.
We are here to partner with you, to reflect on the same light and love that begins at home. Together, we are helping children discover who they are, and most importantly whose they are. Just like a lighthouse gets its power from a steady source, we get ours from Jesus — the true Light of the world. He is the one who never flickers, never fails, and always leads us home.
So, this summer, whether you are chasing bubbles, riding bikes, or simply enjoying popsicles on the porch, remember: your everyday moments matter. You are not just raising children; you are helping to shape hearts that will one day carry the light of Christ into the world.
