In honor of school being back in session for most this month, I'd like to re-post this blog.  I work with children and young adults who are challenged with various kinds of disability.  It is my highest desire to serve in ways that bring success, better life quality and joy to these very special lives.  I often find myself in a teacher's role and realize that doing my best requires much responsibility.  I salute the many who have been there for me to answer questions, solve problems and help pave a path for my entering adulthood.  I also salute each who continue to do so in an ever-changing world with constant complications and difficulties.  These patient educators are the treasures and vessels through whom God often sparkles like glitter, leaving imprints across the pages of many lives.  May He bless and guide those who have chosen to give themselves to the task of preparing and caring for our next generation.

A Tribute to Educators

I believe it is true that a picture paints a thousand words.  And though I am a great advocate for capturing the kind of photographs that encourage imagination and curiosity, I am also a cheerleader for those who take the time to paint a picture with words, stories and actions.  I had a father who loved to tell stories!  Sometimes they were exaggerated or colored with elaborate fabrication.  But even the overstated tales captured my interest and challenged my future!  I have had a number of extraordinary teachers in my life.  What made them so special was that they took the time to tell the stories that drew me into the world they were painting.  Their activities and actions showed sincere interest in me.  Their smiles and sense of humor made the lessons attractive, and the respect they showed me as an individual allowed me to in turn, apply all they had taught to my real world.  Some of those significant individuals were school teachers and some were friends or family members who genuinely wanted to see me succeed in all I pursued.  Every one of them spent something of value on me - love and time.  

Here's to all those who desire to pass along understanding, heritage, information, encouragement, hours and love.  It is a life-time endeavor, but one that will indeed come back to bless you.  It will rarely pay the big bucks, but will reap big rewards.  It will cost honesty, loyalty, consistency and patience, but will offer to others some of the greatest treasures of earth - and heaven.  Perhaps within I Corinthians 13 lies the heart of a God-fearing teacher, who is willing to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things and endure all things for the sake of loving others as Christ loved the church.  Perhaps this is a command for each of us to consider and obey.  Perhaps that is why our Lord Himself was called "Teacher"...and perhaps that is why He has called us to be a living reflection of His example.