"It's Not About Us"

What the rest of us could learn from our children's teachers.

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One of the oldest local school buildings in my local community of Athens, AL, is scheduled to be (mostly) torn down this summer.

The city will construct a new school that will hopefully be in use within the next couple of years.

After the teachers and administrative staff did a final walk-through, a teacher who had taught there for 40 years was asked to say a few things. And Ms. Synthia Howell certainly delivered.

Her remarks centered around all the people who had helped her along the way. And she reminded our children’s teachers of what the job is all about.

We must remember it’s not about us. It’s about seizing the opportunity to help nurture the lives you are afforded to touch. It’s about seeing them being better when they leave your presence than they were when they entered your presence.” - Synthia Howell

As I read those few lines, it struck me that her words - while undoubtedly true for teachers - are not limited to elementary school teachers.

Jesus told us that His people are to be an influence for good in this world.

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)

The good we do as Christians, “it’s not about us.” It’s about bringing glory to our Father in heaven.

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Our teachers are on a much-needed break for the summer.

However, as Christians, our Christianity doesn’t “go on break.” We don’t clock in and out of being Christians. It’s who we are now (Romans 12:1-2) - we have a new life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:3-4).

What a powerful reminder for us adults from our children’s teachers.