Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV
Seems like not too many years ago, I could still name every teacher I had from pre-school through high school. There were more than a few really good ones, but I hope I never forget my 4th-grade teacher, Mrs. Tedesco.
As a little boy, I was an inveterate daydreamer. I was seriously skilled at occupying myself within my own mind, regardless of what was happening in class. Naturally, my grades reflected my lack of focus on learning. My parents began to wonder if I was just not that bright. Thankfully, Mrs. Tedesco recognized the problem, and I believe that if she had a dollar for every time she said, “Jere, are you daydreaming again?” she could have retired early! Her tone startled me out of my academic torpor every time. Sometimes she would even say it when her back was turned, wagering (correctly) that I was, in fact, daydreaming again.
As an educator, you recognize this as a classic case of the whole class suffering because of the misbehavior of one student. And alas, Mrs. Tedesco did not get to see much, if any, fruit from her faithful labors. I certainly did not appreciate them. She was stern, and it was humiliating. Her method might even seem unkind to our modern sensibilities. My grades didn’t even improve much that year.
However, my fifth-grade teacher did get to reap the harvest Mrs. Tedesco so diligently planted and prepared. I began to pay attention in class and went from being a C- or D student in fourth grade to getting As and Bs in fifth grade. Everyone was shocked! I am thankful for all my teachers, but to Mrs. Tedesco, I am particularly grateful for caring enough to help me break my daydreaming habit.
Today, my colleagues and I at Christian Educators have the opportunity to serve teachers. For us, this is a true delight, not only because of our gratitude toward our own teachers, but because of the vital work you are doing for students today. You are among the most influential professionals out there, strategically placed by the Lord to show Him to your school, and it is truly an honor and a privilege to support you!
Dear Jesus, thank You for sending Christian teachers out into Your harvest field. Equip each one as they endeavor to love their students, and to instill a love of learning in them that can lead them to You. Bless them exceedingly and abundantly beyond their expectations, and let them see the fruit of their well-doing in You. Please show us how to serve them well. Amen.
Copyright Jere Vandewalle.
Jere is the Director of Operations for Christian Educators.
