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!
Tim, you are right! Our teachers are so important for preparing our future leaders and educating our children to be good citizens. It seems like our society and governing bodies would recognize the vital contribution teachers make to preserving our country and its values. It’s so hard for teachers to do their jobs with such dedication and commitment when they are so undervalued. I’m so glad your daughter is a teacher–she makes a difference in lives every day.
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.
Dear friend, for what little we are able to do to help you through the dark journey, we are grateful that we can. The grief journey doesn’t end on this side of heaven, but it changes in stages. With God’s love and the love of others we realize we aren’t alone and He blesses us by sending special people into our lives. Our God is so GOOD.
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.
Absolutely, Barbara. We are His hands and feet on earth and His light shines through us when we are His followers. It’s a huge responsibility for us, but our Lord is with us on the journey to share His love and light. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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! 🙂
Melissa, I’m like you, so grateful for my teachers and mentors, and for the courageous dedicated teachers who are now in the classroom teaching our children and grandchildren. As you mention, as followers of Jesus, we teach every day through our words and actions. I’m so thankful God is with us in that task. Wishing you joy and blessings!
Wonderful transition to the newness we find in Jesus, Katherine. Enjoy the newness of spring!
I am enjoying the newness of spring, my favorite season. Even the pollen has been more manageable than usual. Thank you for your encouragement, Diana, wishing you a blessed week.
I’m thankful you included the question: Are new beginnings still important to us? What a great reminder. Thank you, Katherine!
Thank you, Kristy. I’m always thankful for new beginnings (even though learning new things isn’t as easy as it used to be). I’m especially grateful our God helps us with the new beginning, and if we are struggling with changes that comes with it, He is right there to help us get started, persevere, and not give up.
This is a great reminder to find joy in new beginnings. Great article.
Thank you, Virginia, for reading and sharing encouragement. I hope you’re feeling much better! Peace and blessings.
Thanks for the reminder that people are always watching, and I am teaching others with the example of my life.
That’s a huge responsibility for us, isn’t it, Joanna? But you are a wonderful example. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your faith. Blessings!
Great reminder that we all teach. I do so want my life to teach a new beginning in Christ. Thanks Katherine!
Me, too, Sylvia! What could be more important than accepting the gift of love and salvation from our Savior, and then share the Good News of Jesus with others. Wishing you joy and blessings.
You were in my hometown, Katherine! I hope you enjoyed the beauty and hospitality of New Bern. Let me know if you’re ever this way again and maybe we can meet for lunch! I’m thankful for the wonderful teachers I’ve had and the difference they’ve made in my life. Blessings!
I’d forgotten you lived there, Kim. New Bern is beautiful and historical, a wonderful combination. I hope to visit again and lunch sounds awesome. Wishing you joy and blessings!
What a legacy of teaching in your family. That is so inspiring. I also love that we get mornings each day to try again. Thanks for the great message Katherine
Thank you for your kind encouragement, Yvonne. I think you love mornings, too! Blessings!
Thanks for sharing, Katherine. I’m thankful God teaches me through others and through experiences.
Me too, Joni. When I was teaching, I’d tell my students, “We learn from each other.” That’s true (although it may not have been something I wanted to learn–my students shared many lessons). Now my grandchildren teach me! Wishing you a joyful May.