If You Can Read This, Thank a Teacher!

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you.” (Hebrews 13:7)

Some teachers just make a huge difference in a person’s life. Take just a minute or two to think back and remember all the teachers that you have had in the past – did one or two of them stand head and shoulders above the rest? Why? Was it because that teacher was more engaging, a better communicator, kinder, gentler, funnier, more knowledgeable, or a combination of all those things and a lot more?

I had a lot of teachers on my road to becoming a pastor: eight years of elementary school, high school, five years of college, and three years at the Seminary. Which one do I remember the most? Which one do I think made the biggest impact on my life? The very first. My first Sunday School teacher. The kindest, sweetest German grandma anyone could ever meet. When I think back to those classes with her in that tiny room in front of the church where I first learned about Jesus I can’t help but have a huge smile on my face. And you know what makes her so special to me? To this day, every month or so the phone will ring and on the other end it will be her. “Just checking in,” she says, “and reminding you of God’s love for you.” Twenty-seven years after being in her classroom, she still calls. I guess you can see what makes her so special.

I can’t imagine where I would be or where the world would be without dedicated teachers like her.

Whatever the subject or subjects a teacher teaches – math, science, history – it is easy to see the difference a good teacher makes. Without them things just would not be the same. But some teachers make a bigger difference, have a bigger impact on our lives; teachers who teach the Word of God.

That’s what makes our teachers at Immanuel so special. Not only do they teach basic elementary level education, they teach our children the Word of God. Every subject, every lesson tailored and spoken in a way that keeps Christ as the heart and core. You might think that your child’s math or reading skills is what is important (they are), but they are not the most important. Teachers who speak the Word of God to our children are teaching them not only how to succeed for this life, but for all eternity. Talk about an important job!

May 3rd through May 7th is National Teacher Appreciation Week. Why not take this opportunity to recognize in a special way those teachers, past and present, who taught you or who teach your children and grandchildren to treasure their Savior Jesus. Your words or gifts of appreciation mean more to them than you’ll ever know.

                                                                          ~ Pastor Maglietto