It looks like we were just talking about graduations and summer vacations and, already, another school year is just around the corner. How time flies!

As school starts, many teachers are concerned about the awesome responsibility they face. I pray that regardless of the challenge, they will focus more on the opportunity to influence the minds of their students.

It may be the only chance for some to hear a positive message and, maybe, experience love for the first time.

I recall Pastor Charles Stanley of Atlanta sharing that growing up with an alcoholic father and never being encouraged, he still remembers his fourth grade teacher telling another teacher, “Charles will do great things one day.”

Today, he is a famous pastor and noted as an authority in teaching the Bible.

The following prayer may be an encouragement to all teachers as they start a new year:

Dear God: Help me to be an “audience of one.” I don’t ask for any special assignments. I ask that I’m placed where I am most needed. Give me the strength and courage to give you 100 percent of everything I have, and in doing so, I’ll be a positive influence to my students and please my supervisors. If I have some trying times during the years, help me to remember that you won’t send me any more than I can handle. Regardless of the situation, help me to be fair in all my dealings.

Finally, God, when the school year is completed and graduation ceremonies are held, I don’t need any special recognition. I want to feel that I was an “audience of one” and pleased You.

Colossians 3:23 – “Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord.”

  

If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or email hkeller@comcast.net.