I am starting my 15th year of teaching mathematics in Alabama's public school system. Teaching is my passion! It is a true Calling from God Himself. I always strive to make a difference in the lives of children. But I have a confession to make. Last year, I did the absolute worst job I have ever done as a teacher. Granted, the year was filled with personal tragedies, especially on the last Friday of November. I will never forget that horrible day. In fact, I am still haunted by it to this very second. Unfortunately, I allowed my personal life to interfere with my professional one. I did not mean for it to happen. But considering the severity of my tragedy, it was so incredibly difficult for me to prevent it from spilling over into all other areas of my life. Last night I had a powerful dream. In that dream, God reminded my why I began teaching in the first place: To make a difference in the lives of children!
We all know how hard it can be to move past difficult circumstances that arise in our lives. But with God's help, I have started to heal a little bit. Oh, I know I will never completely heal from what happened. But God has never stopped trying to help me move past it. This year, I am going to hit the ground running. Kids need good role models. I have asked the Lord to help me be the best role model that I have ever been. I have a very big heart for my students, even though it has not been beating as loudly lately as it has in the past. With God's help though, I am going to shift into high-gear and put every single one of my students at the top of my efforts. I truly love those kids, even when I want to pinch their heads off some days. But It is not fair to them to allow myself to be less than my best. God will help me! This school year will be the very best one yet! I know I still have tons of healing to do. But with His help, I am going to get back into my element: Making a difference in the lives of children! There is power in prayer. I ask that you stop for a moment and say a little prayer for me. And also pray for not only my students, but for every single student in our great country. They are indeed our future. And with God leading all of us, parents, teachers, and students, we can't miss!
3 John 1:4 says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
Father, please help me to be the best teacher I have ever been. I know I can do nothing without You. In Jesus name, Amen.
That's fine with me, it's all Jesus anyway! :) I like this post, so very true. If no one is an example to the younger generation and if no one explains to them why they aren't to do things like have sex before marriage then they have no reason not to. Wonderful post!!
ReplyDeleteYou are an incredible teacher ... sharing that gift with your students is indeed a blessing. As you well know, the impact that a teacher has on a student's life goes with them into adulthood! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Allen for your time and commitment. No doubt, you are one of the most dynamic people in my life. And you are an example for all of us to follow. For in you, we, that know you, can see how our Father in heaven can work in someone's life. If you were teaching every level of math in college, I would have you at every level, because I would know that I would be getting your best. Good luck to you in this coming year and "keep" Phillip in line. By the way, after one full year in college, I still have a 4 point avg.
ReplyDeleteAllen, do you see the lives you have touched??? I rest my case....
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