We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-9, NIV
The teacher’s mind never stops.
We sit down to watch a relaxing hour on television but usually find ourselves thinking about how that topic could be used as a lesson. We go to the zoo to enjoy ourselves and see an unruly group of children and feel compelled to round them up into some kind of order. As soon as we learn a new skill we want to teach it to someone. We’re constantly on the outlook for authentic education. We make mental or scribbled notes in our ever-present notepads when we hear a conversation that would be a good topic for promoting social skills. We comb through the newspapers for information that would stir critical thinking in our students. We create crossword puzzles and word games and we make up skits. We’ll have discussions, write essays, and adopt pen pals as a class. We search the shelves of libraries looking for inspirational biographies or anything that would spark a fire in our students.
Will it ever stop? No, I don’t think so. A teacher’s mind is a gift with no expiration date.
Dear Lord, thank You for giving me this gift of teaching and leading. I offer myself to You and trust You to continue to teach me. I am leaning heavily on You today. Amen.
Copyright Cheryl Skid.
Cheryl is a retired Christian Educators member from Missouri.
