Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

 Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

 Do you ever have those days that you feel like teaching school would not be so bad if it weren’t for the students? Do you ever get tired of the sticky fingers, smudged glass doors, or crumpled book pages? If we’re honest, most of us feel that way from time to time. It’s not that we don’t love our students, but sometimes the effort required to lead and teach them becomes tedious.

                This is how I felt when I discovered this verse. It was the first fall break of the new school year. As I was cleaning and reorganizing my classroom, I discovered that one of my students had spilled little round hole-punches all over the floor. The mess caused me to remember how tired I was last May. Then the reality that I would face more challenges this year caused me to sit and consider my career. A teacher’s job can be demanding even without the messes. Yes, without the kids, teaching would be a great job! Without the children, my classroom would be well organized, clean, and lovely. However, the value of teaching–the reason for my efforts is bundled up in those children. Even as much work as the children require, the hope for tomorrow’s world is packaged in those rowdy, sometimes unruly, young boys and girls. I decided it was worth it. I dutifully began to pick up the little round dots.

                What a privilege to be called to teach children!  They are our investment for a better tomorrow. This realization, alone, is enough to encourage me to again press me toward the high calling set before me. I consider it a privilege to be called “teacher.”

 Dear God, Thank you for placing me in the classroom to help direct the children toward your truths and your ways. I need your wisdom and guidance daily for such an awesome task.