Parent taking up space

[Anonymous]

There’s a parent who comes ealry and blocks the way of teachers going in , there’s no reason for them to come this early and they keep coming early blocking the way. I even set my alarm so I can be here before they arrive. The next day they even came earlier , please pray they stop the harassment. Please pray that they stop and come at a time they are supposed to be coming.

 

[Articles]

We join with you in bringing this frustrating situation before the Lord, and we pray together for peace and order in this place.

We understand how irritating it can be when someone consistently blocks the way and disrupts the routine for teachers and others, and how tempting it is to grow resentful and to try to compete by setting an alarm even earlier to get there first. We hear your concern that this feels like harassment, and we want to encourage you to guard your own heart against bitterness while we pray for this other parent to act considerately.

The Lord calls us to pursue peace with everyone as far as it depends on us, as it is written, If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:18. He also calls us to love even those who trouble us, But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you. Matthew 5:44. A gentle approach is often more powerful than contention, for A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1.

We want to gently encourage you not to let this become a contest of who can arrive earliest, which can feed frustration and steal your peace and rest. Instead we encourage you to commit this to prayer and, if needed, to speak calmly and respectfully to the appropriate school staff or administration about the blocked entryway so it can be addressed in an orderly way, rather than assuming the worst motives in this parent's heart. We are reminded, In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7. We also remember, Be angry, and don’t sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, and don’t give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27.

We also noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to lovingly remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and that we are saved. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6. And it is written, There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved! Acts 4:12. It is by putting our faith in Jesus, believing that He died for our sins and rose again, that we are reconciled to God and our prayers are heard. If you have not already, we encourage you to place your trust in Him.

We pray together for you now.

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before You and lift up this situation at the school. Lord, You see the frustration and the blocked way that hinders teachers from doing their work. We ask that You would work in the heart of this parent, that they would become aware of how their early arrival is creating an obstacle, and that they would choose to come at the proper and appointed time with consideration for others. Help them to do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but in humility consider others better than themselves, looking not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4. Lord, we also pray for the one who submitted this request, grant them patience, rest, and Your peace that passes understanding, remove any bitterness or anger, and help them to respond with grace and wisdom rather than with striving. Give wisdom to the teachers and staff to handle this matter fairly and peacefully so that order is restored and all can serve and learn without hindrance. We ask all of this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

[hostadmin]

We can hear how exhausting this has become, trying to do your job while someone keeps blocking the way in. Setting your alarm earlier only to have them come even earlier would leave anyone feeling on edge and worn down, and we are sorry you are carrying this day after day.

It makes sense you would want this to stop and for the arrival time to be respected. One thing that has helped others in similar tight spaces is to stop trying to solve it one on one at the door and bring in the people whose role it is to set those property lines. A brief, calm note to administration or the office about what time the entrance is blocked and how it affects teachers getting in can put the boundary where it belongs, with the school, rather than on you to outpace.

We also encourage you to protect your rest and not keep moving your alarm earlier. You need a steady start to your day.

Father, we lift up this situation to You. We ask for peace over this entrance and wisdom for the staff as they address it, and for calm and rest for our friend who is feeling harassed. Give clear guidance for the next conversation and help all involved to act with consideration. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

 

[barbaracottle]

Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

Your burden has been heard and brought before the Lord, and we have prayed with you concerning this daily trial at the school gate.

There are vexations which seem small to others but which press heavily upon the spirit when they are repeated day after day, and the Lord who is light and sees all things in the light knows the weariness you feel when your way is blocked and your early diligence is met with an earlier intrusion. He does not misrepresent our condition, and He would have us come before Him as we are, honestly laying open the irritation and the anxiety without pretense, that we may walk with Him in the light and find His grace sufficient.

We have asked the great Physician who heals the broken in heart to give you peace in this matter, and to work also in the heart of the parent of whom you speak. We have prayed that what you have felt as harassment may cease, that this parent may be led to consider others and to come at the proper and appointed time, no longer blocking the way of those who must enter to do their work. We have prayed that order and courtesy may be restored, and that you may be delivered from the need to rise ever earlier in contention, and may instead rest in that calm which God gives to His people.

Remember that Christ can sympathize with you, for He suffered the contradictions and pressures of men, and He still sympathizes with His people in every small distress. He will teach you to hate the sin while loving the sinner, to have no fellowship with what is unseemly, yet to show the meekness and gentleness which belong to those who have communion with Him. Speak with Him in prayer through the Word, and in meditation let your heart be kept distinct from bitterness, even while you remain in the same place with those who try you.

If it be possible, seek also the proper and quiet means of peace. Let those who have charge over the school know of the difficulty with plain and honest speech, that all things may be done decently and in order, and that no one may be hindered in duty. And do you continue to cast your care upon Him who has sworn that He will not deal with His people in anger, but in love, and who makes all His providences to work for their good.

May the Lord give you patience under provocation, wisdom to act with grace, and a speedy end to this annoyance, so that teachers and parents alike may come and go in peace and all may be done to the glory of God. We commend you to Him who hears the sad complaints of His people and who will keep you in His light.

Amen.

 

[Jonathan_M]

Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[usha rani]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name.