Don't Take the Whole Summer Off - Remember to Pray!

Summer has arrived!

We have heard the final bell – watched our graduates triumphantly “recess” from their graduation ceremony – said the last goodbye to fellow teachers who will be moving on to new areas of ministry.

The school year that just a few short months ago held such promise and anticipation is over – and now the desks are empty, the chalkboard is clean and washed- the promise of the 2007-2008 school has been realized and the many events of the school year are now a memory.

While the “responsibilities” of being a teacher might be over for the summer (you did turn in your grade book and plan book, didn’t you) – you are never really “done” being their teacher! Your influence goes beyond the walls of your classroom and beyond the calendar! If you haven’t had the experience yet – you will (if you teach long enough) to have adults point in your direction and whisper to their children “That’s Mrs. Smith – she was MY third grade teacher.” Those who are bold enough will approach you wearing their best “you remember me” smile and will be able to recall with vivid clarity something that you said and/or did during that 3rd grade year – and expect that you will, too!

As we are still in the “early stages” of summer, please take a few minutes to remember your class – recall them one by one – say each name aloud and thank God for the privilege of being “their” teacher and for the opportunity you had to be part of their lives for just a moment in time!

Pray for them throughout the summer and as the summer winds down, begin praying for the students who will be in your class for the upcoming school year. You don’t have to wait for your class roster to begin praying – pray for the students, their parents and for the transition of new students/families into your school.

But above all – remember to pray for yourself – that God will prepare you for a new year of ministry and that you will be looking forward to the new school year – one that will be filled with promise and anticipation!