As days pass, we can complain about time flying or rejoice in our blessings. I never thought much about retirement when I was younger, but as the saying goes, it’s never too late to be what you might have been. Had anyone told me I’d be a school teacher later in life, I would have been surprised. Now, as a teacher, I can honestly say it’s the most exciting and satisfying profession I could have imagined. Teaching is a labor of love, and helping children with their education is among our highest priorities. Yes, occasionally they test my patience, but most are respectful and just filled with excitement and curiosity. Jesus loves the little children, and I sense the seriousness of guiding tomorrow’s leaders, who will face difficult challenges, as they are being targeted by the dark side. It’s critical for all of us to lead by example, as we help them understand right from wrong, to know God, and His truth.
I believe it’s important, as we grow older, to stay active instead of just lying around. I realize that some older individuals have health issues and cannot do what they would like to do, but many are in decent shape, but just choose to do nothing. It seems the more a person gives in to their excuses of how they are tired from paying their dues, the worse they feel. Inactivity is alright when we are resting, but the more we get up and get going, the better we feel. I encourage everyone to find something really important to you and see how you can get involved. We’ve heard it said that we must not live to work, but work to live. Your goals are achieved the moment you commit yourself to them, so no matter how old you feel, or how many times you’ve officially retired, it’s never too late to give the world a little more of what God has given to you. We should pray and ask for God’s inspiration, strength, and wisdom, but hopefully, a person will eventually discover that he or she is the master-gardener of their soul and the decision-maker of their destiny.
I was talking to an older teacher the other day during our planning period, and we chatted about how different the world is now from what it was when we were growing up. We touched on everything from the high cost of living and how much the education system has changed, to how a godless society has rearranged the culture, mostly for the worse. I agreed when she said we need good role models for these children, and how teachers are on the front line with the opportunity and responsibility to demonstrate a Christ-like character while planting positive seeds of hope and truth. It’s said that a teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, inspires a heart, and shapes the future, and I firmly agree that the influence of a good teacher can never be erased. Teachers do not just need employment; they know it’s their life’s calling. I’ve been a minister for over 40 years, and wanted to continue trying to make a difference, as it’s true, teachers change the world – one child at a time. She concluded that we needed more Christian leaders involved with public education and thanked me for my efforts.
We went on with our day, going through the switch classes, and finally, at the end of my last class, there was a young man who stayed behind a few minutes to pick up pencils and papers from the floor, and connect some of the Chromebooks in the charging cabinet. I was turning out the lights, and told him how much I appreciated him, and out of the quiet, he calmly asked if I knew Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. It was as if the lights had been turned on again. I was pleasantly humbled and impressed. I wondered how many 13-year-olds are being driven by their love for God and have the awareness and faith to share the gospel with their substitute teacher? I told him I was a Christian, and was proud and inspired by his spiritual enthusiasm and commitment to the Lord. As I was walking out to my car, I thought about the teacher who earlier had shared her burden for the young ones, and I knew she would be encouraged to know there are still good people and wonderful kids in the midst of these trying times.
Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, teacher, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com.
