Grace for Educators: Encouragement for TeachersChikamu

Abundant Grace

In the fall of 2017, one of my former co-workers passed away. Although he had over thirty years of teaching experience, my time working with him was very brief. I was moved to tears as I sat in his memorial service surrounded by students whose lives had been impacted by one teacher.

There are days when we feel overlooked, overworked, and overwhelmed, but I hope you have been encouraged to no longer focus on the negative components of our job. I pray you will give your best to your students because your work matters. The church was filled with those who had been his students during the past three decades. There were heads of grey who were probably taught algebra, geometry, and calculus with limited use of a calculator sitting beside the most regally coifed natural styles who had been educated under the Common Core umbrella with Math I, II, and III. There had been major shifts in education during his time as an educator and although the students in the church were from different walks of life, different races, and assuredly different religious backgrounds, they were all assembled in one place for one purpose—to show gratitude and respect to one man, their teacher.

Their teacher had made a positive impact on their lives.

When I left the service my heart was heavy because of the loss of a co-worker and friend, but I also had a nagging thought…when I transition, will I be remembered for the positive impact I had on the lives of my students.

The next day, I traveled to my hometown to celebrate my mother’s birthday. My mind was no longer focused on the events of the previous day, I was just enjoying the opportunity to fellowship with my parents, my siblings, and our spouses and children.

God chose to use the moment I stepped to the salad bar as the moment to settle my mind concerning my earlier question.

A former student was also having lunch there with her family and when she saw me she came over to thank me for making a difference in her life.

I had not seen her in many years and had no idea that she had entered the field of education. I pray that what she said to me will remain in my mind for many years to come.

“Every day I walk into my classroom I know I am taking you and the lessons you taught me in that classroom with me. You were one of my favorite teachers.”

I walked back to join my family with a heart of thanksgiving because I had asked God the day before if I had made an impact on the lives of others. And less than 24 hours later He sent a former student to let me know that I had.

It is my prayer that you will always receive nudges when you need them most.

A student who will encourage you and motivate you on your lowest day.

A student who will remind you that you are the reason they entered education, or you’re the reason they are successful on whatever career path they have chosen. It is my prayer that when you need it the most, God will send a gentle reminder to you to show you His abundant grace.

I pray that He will continue to give you the grace to be the best educator you can be. There are so many students who are depending on you. We will not always know the students we have touched and we may not always see the fruits of our labor, but it is important for us to know that somewhere there is a child who is successful because of the grace you showed them.

My Prayer for You:

May you always be encouraged to do the work you have been called to do. I pray you will always be empowered to make a difference and a lasting impact on the lives of those you encounter. May God give you the grace to enlighten young minds and challenge them to be all they were created to be. May your classroom be a place of peace and tranquility. May His joy give you strength throughout each day. May His grace sustain you during difficult times and comfort you during times of despair. When you are frustrated and facing times of change, may His grace settle you. May you be overshadowed with His love and His grace—forever.

Amen.

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