Teachers

Although it is supposed to be in the mid-90s today, kids are back in school and the summer is over. One of the things that we have been focused on in our house is getting used to a new teacher. Tracy has done her usual excellent job of already meeting with our son's fourth grade teacher and starting the process of educating him on Alex's learning challenges and the various accommodations that have been put in place.

All the signs so far are that Alex's teacher is very willing to work through as much as possible, to help him with the various technology that he will use, etc. So things seem good.

Trying to think about it from the teacher's perspective has made me really think about the fact that it takes a special person to be a teacher. You have to focus on the needs of every child in your class and really try to make sure that all of them get the best education possible. Teachers make such a big impact on people's lives. Think about how many speeches from athletes, business leaders, politicians, scientists, etc., involve them thanking a special teacher for taking an interest, setting them straight, nurturing a talent, or igniting a passion. Even if you don't have that type of special relationship with one of your teachers, I bet you can fondly remember at least some of them. In addition to some of my own teachers, I think of teachers that I have met in Cambita (Dominican Republic), Nairobi (Kenya) and Kisii (Kenya) and how those teachers were Called to Serve through teaching.

Teachers, whether they are at school, at church, at home, scout leaders, sports coaches, music directors, etc., are true blessings. They work to make a difference in the lives of our children, and to change the world of tomorrow.

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit . . . . All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."

1 Corinthians 12:4 - 11

So, today I pray for all the teachers - give them guidance in working with our children and the children of the world; give them discernment so that they see how to reach each child; give them understanding, patience, wisdom and strength; continue to use them and work through them to change the world, to set each of our children - your children - on the path that you have laid out for them.