One day last semester, I was dreading a very busy day ahead. As I thought about my day, with students filing in every few minutes and a long line forming outside my office, I suddenly had a mental picture of a student coming through my door carrying a beautifully wrapped package in her hands.

Looking at this student holding her package, I had a choice: I could tear open the package, toss the wrapping aside, take a brief look at the contents, and then get down to business. OR, I could accept the package, spend a moment admiring the beautiful wrapping, carefully unwrap it, take a few more moments to admire the contents, and thank the person for sharing this beautiful and special package with me.

A Reminder

Here’s the thing: the second approach doesn’t necessarily take more time than the first, but it does require being totally present during my time with the student and seeing the student as Christ would see her – as an individual worthy of my time and attention. This image so moved me that I bought some beautiful wrapping paper and a lovely bow and wrapped a small square box to sit on my desk where I can see it each time a student comes in.

It reminds me that each person who walks through my door comes in holding an invisible package. Each is an offering to me, and it’s my choice as to how to respond to the gift given: their talents, their hopes, their inadequacies, and their fears.

Each, A Treasure

I am thankful that God sees each one of us as the unique individuals He created. He lovingly makes time for us, as if we were the only person in the world seeking his attention. He carefully removes the external wrapping to view and admire the treasure within.

Although He knows exactly what is contained inside, He is pleased when we offer up our best to Him. Even if our bow is a little crooked, the wrapping is ragged on the edges, or the tape job is sloppy, He treasures us for the unique gift that we are.

Faculty — especially Christian faculty — are the front line to connect with students. These students come to our office hours holding an invisible wrapped package. They appreciate it when we take the time to receive them. During the Christmas season and all year, remember that every student is a gift: open the package.

(c) 2011  Lisa Bullard