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Back to school.

What, if anything, do those words mean to you? I’ve been through cycles of preparing my own classroom, uniform and school supply shopping for children, scheduling carpools for school and extracurricular activities, and meal planning which was always considered the nights we’d buy dinner in a school’s gym. The only thing I don’t miss is the tuition.

This year I’ll have five granddaughters in school, and if the past is any indication, carpools and evenings in the gym will keep me busy. And happy.

Those carpools lines and school activities do more than involve me in my granddaughters’ lives, they motivate my prayers. Those prayers include the protection and success of my granddaughters, the students in my community, and the educators.

It’s been a while since I’ve taught, but I still remember the energy required for the job, the many hours spent outside of the classroom preparing lessons, and the daily personal goal of treating the children as though they were my own. Teaching is demanding and exhausting, but so rewarding. My heart’s cry is for all educators, not just the ones who have daily contact with my grandchildren, to be refreshed and ready for the challenges of their profession.

May the people who impact and train the next generation look to Jesus, the greatest Teacher, for the patience and wisdom to successfully impart knowledge and allow lasting learning to take place. And may they realize that their classes are made up of beautifully unique individuals who are dependent upon them for instruction, understanding, and direction. Educational consultant Larry Bell, summed it up perfectly, “On your worst day, you are some child’s greatest hope.”

 

Ronny Michel can be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.