"A New School Year" - by Rev. Weldon Bares

With the beginning of a new school year upon us, I think back to some wonderful teachers in my life.

I think of my first-grade teacher, the lady who taught me to read. I think of a P.E. coach who taught me to have more self-confidence. I think of a seventh-grade teacher who pulled my ear when she thought I was being a smart aleck. (Now come on, you don’t believe that, right?)

I think of a gifted high school debate teacher who guided me in logical thinking and public speaking, a biology teacher who had patience with my struggling aptitude in the area, an English teacher who helped open and broaden my mind.

I think of a fourth-grade teacher who helped dry my tears and my clothes after I fell into a mud pile, a high school counselor who knew my name and pointed me in the right direction, janitors and cafeteria workers and bus drivers who worked so hard every day. I think of a principal who pushed us to strive for excellence.

I am stating the obvious when I say that schoolteachers and school workers do not make a great amount of money. Their job is a very difficult one. Sometimes it is a thankless job. Each day can bring new frustrations and challenges.

This year let’s really support our schools, our teachers and school workers. Let's express to them our gratitude for their hard work. Let's pull for them and cheer them on - and be sure to remember them in prayer every day before the Master Teacher.