Teach Me Your Ways

There are some amazing teachers out there influencing our children.  If you think back, you can probably remember a special teacher or two that meant a lot to you.  Mine was Mrs. Hoyt.  6th grade.  She was an old lady with a wrinkled, pale white face, and bright red lipstick.  She wore fashionable clothes and high heels.  I always thought that was neat because most women her age seemed to have lost the ability to wear clothes that were in style.  I’m not even sure that it was her teaching ability so much as it was her larger-than-life presence in the classroom that impressed me.  She was full of energy and so kind to me.  I was new to the school that year, and knew no one, so that was important to me – to feel welcomed. 
 
And then there was Mrs. Hargett in high school.  She was a pretty, middle aged woman, with a huge smile, and tons of energy.  She taught creative writing.  I knew she had the Spirit just by being around her, but didn’t know anything about her personally until later in life.  It turns out she is a believer (which I figured).  It also turns out, she lost a son to drugs and spent much of her adult life helping others who had lost children.  It’s so neat that as an adult, I got to write an article about her life that was in a local paper, and she was the one who was instrumental in teaching me how to write. 
 
I had the pleasure of meeting one of our local teachers recently who was telling me how difficult teaching has become.  She had the same concern I, and many, have had.  What brought us into the field we chose was to help people.  But, so many times we leave feeling like we haven’t made an impact.  Between the rules, regulations, fear of litigation, etc., teachers and other service type workers feel burned out.  So, I will leave you with the same encouragement I left with her…
 
Can you imagine what this world would be like if you (the caring, kind, amazing person that you are) were not doing the job you have right now?  What if all the teachers, social workers, nurses, police officers, and firefighters decided they were sick and tired of dealing with the public?  What a hot mess that would be!  God has YOU right where He needs you.  Keep on keeping on, my friend.  One day at time.  Keep that chin up, smile going, and kind words flowing.  You are making a difference just like Mrs. Hoyt and Mrs. Hargett did.  There is someone out there that will remember your kindnesses and compassion for the rest of their life.  You are planting seeds everyday you show up to live life in whatever way that may be. 
 
God bless our teachers,
Celeste
“Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth; Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.” Psalm 86:11 
 
Share with your brothers and sisters who teach to honor and encourage them.
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