A teacher's prayer

Thank you, God, for another day, another opportunity to make a difference

Teaching is like holding a bird in your hand. If you squeeze it too tight, it will die. If you don’t hold it tight enough, it will fly away.

Our gracious heavenly Father:

Thank you for giving me another sunrise, another day, another opportunity to shape young minds.

Give me strength. Give me wisdom. Give me courage. Give me patience. (P.S.  I could use an extra helping of patience.)

School will be out in a few days, and the Summer of Gris will begin. I am counting down the days. I don’t know any teacher who is not exhausted at this time of year on the calendar. 

Before I began teaching eight years ago, I viewed summer vacation through a different lens. I thought teachers had it easy, with all that time to sleep in  during June, July and August.

Now I realize you gave teachers 12 months worth of work to do in nine months … a bit like creating the heavens and earth in six days before you rested.  There is an old saying – and I can quote you on this, God –  there is no tired like teacher tired.  No need to convince me. I play on the same team.

But enough about me. Consider this a prayer of gratitude. I count my blessings. Children are daily affirmations. Many are bright, enthusiastic and eager to learn. Help me meet their needs.

For those young people who present more of a challenge – and I have a few of those –  show me ways to connect and keep them motivated. Help me, God,  not to get discouraged when I cannot connect with them.

Teaching is like holding a bird in your hand. If you squeeze it too tight, it will die. If you don’t hold it tight enough, it will fly away.

Help me not to forget I was once 17 years old. I have had my heart squashed. I have been bullied and had my feelings hurt. I went to bed every night smelling like Clearasil.

Been there. Done that. Got the T-shirt. In many ways, these kids have it much harder. Everything is recorded, compromised and posted on social media. It is a permanent record on display for all the world to see whenever they screw up or don’t measure up.

Help me, God, also to navigate this ever-changing world of technology.  Computers and cell phones are all this generation has ever known. My students can look up something in a matter of seconds that once took me several hours of research in the library. (It’s amazing, but I have a confession. Pardon my language, Lord, but “AI” scares the hell out of me.)

Let me never to lose sight of the fundamentals of education. Reading and writing. Understanding right from wrong. Self-respect. Developing good habits and study skills. An appetite for learning.

Help me to understand they all can’t be smart, pretty and run fast. And some of them will best me in more ways than I can ever test them.

I once read that schoolchildren are like popcorn. You can cook them in the same bag, at the same temperature, with the same amount of oil … but not all the kernels pop at the same time. I realize I have to teach my students with the same understanding.

They live in a different world. I pray to accept it, even if I don’t always understand it.

I want them to grow mentally, physically and spiritually. I want them to know that wisdom comes through experience.

That’s why I am here for them.  I’ve got an abundant supply of wisdom and experience.

Twenty years from now, when they are asked to recall someone who made a difference in their life, I pray that someone will be me.

Amen.