New beginnings
This past weekend, I experienced a wonderful convention in an eastern North Carolina town, New Bern. There’s much to be said for meeting with over 200 current and retired educators. We shared joy, enthusiasm, renewal, and new beginnings.
I come from a long line of educators. My great grandparents and grandmother taught in one-room school houses between 1860 and 1910. My mother and I carried on the tradition from the 1960s until 2021. I guess it’s in our blood.
New beginnings
From the time I began teaching elementary school in 1978 until my last day in the college classroom in 2021, I always looked forward to the start of the new school year with anticipation, excitement, and hope (and usually a dose of anxiety). “New” included a new school year, new students, and new hope for a productive and joyful year. Most especially, I hoped for all our students that I could make a positive difference in their lives.
New Bern , founded in 1710, was named for a town (Bern) in Switzerland. New Bern is recognized as the first capital of North Carolina and the birthplace of Pepsi. We have many cities, counties, or states in the United States (New York, New Orleans, New Jersey are examples) named for the homeland of their founding immigrants–perhaps with hopes for new beginnings.
New creation
There’s another time when being new is of vital importance. It’s when we’re made new in our relationship with Jesus.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling us to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)
Teachers forever change the lives of the student they teach. We always hope and pray we have a positive impact on students. Teachers strive to help students to achieve their fullest potential, to be the best they can be. This doesn’t entail just imparting knowledge, but building confidence, responsibility, discernment, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
But how much greater are the new beginnings when we become new creations through Jesus. We take on His characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
We are all teachers
Lest you think I’m speaking only of those leading in the classroom, I firmly believe we are all teachers. “Not so!” you may shout. But think . . . we are role models, even when we don’t intend to be. We’re parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, friends, and peer mentors. People watch us (even strangers) and learn from us.
- What kind of example for others are we?
- Do we seek to share positive feedback and encouragement whenever possible?
- Are we kind and polite, even when dealing with anger and aggression?
- Do we strive to be good listeners?
- Are new beginnings still important to us?
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
Thank you teachers, encouragers, and those who strive to brighten the lives of others.
Good post, Katherine. As the father of a teacher, I realize how special they are . . . and underpaid!
Amen Ms. Katherine! Am learning that we are all “teachers” in some way as we lead our families and extended families. We are also Bible teachers in the way we live our lives. I’m so grateful for wonderful friends like you and Mr. Keith that have taught me how to navigate my way through grief.
Yes, Katherine, we are all teachers in some way. Our lives do influence others whether good or bad. That’s why we should always be mindful of reflecting Christ in our words and actions.
Yes, yes. We are all teachers. We all have the opportunity to share with others. I’m thankful for the wonderful teachers in our family, school, church, and everyday life who share their wisdom and experience. Have a blessed week! 🙂