School started up again a little while ago and on our street I see kids waiting for the bus each morning. Some look excited about it, while others look like they’d rather be doing anything else. A lot of their attitude can be traced back to their teachers. You can usually tell which kids have teachers who feel called to teach and those whose instructors view it as just a job.
Teachers, for the most part, are amazing people. I go on my morning walks around 6 o’clock and my route leads me by Walla Walla Valley Academy and Rogers Elementary. It’s not unusual to see cars in the parking lot at that early hour and lights on in the classrooms as teachers prepare for another day of sharing their knowledge and God’s love with their students. Now that’s dedication!
I’ve had some amazing teachers who’ve made an incredible difference in my life. Mrs. Marvin, my 3rd grade teacher; Jim Henderson, Jerry and Carol Whitehurst, at Kingsbury Jr. Academy; and John Thomas at Union Springs Academy. There were many others, but these stand out in my mind. I credit much of my own successes to their caring and dedicated attitude and their ability to bring out the best in me, seeing past my shy, awkward exterior to the potential within.
Teaching is a calling, but not just for professional educators. We each are called to teach. Just before He ascended to heaven Jesus commissioned His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV).
We are each called to teach others about Jesus, that “there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). We are to tell of His love and sacrifice for us and of His soon coming to take us home.
You too are a teacher and each day, by the words you say and the things you do (or don’t do) you are teaching others lessons for good or bad. That’s an awesome responsibility. Make sure to ask the Master Teacher to guide you, because the lessons people learn for you today may well make a difference for them for eternity.
What will your students learn from you today?