Appreciation: Expressing thanks, praise or commendation, particularly in recognition of someone’s accomplishments or efforts. Gratefully acknowledging what someone “does” or attempts to do. (Colossians 3:15 b, 1 Corinthians 11:2)
Do you have a special memory of a favorite school or Bible teacher? What was it about him/her that made such a long lasting impression on you? Teachers often wonder if they are making a difference, and too many go unappreciated.
Have you given thought to the teachers in your life? Perhaps a mentor/ trainer/ teacher has been special to you, your child, teen, or spouse. If you could show appreciation to them for one thing, what would it be and why?
I (Linda) often think back to a Sunday School teacher I had when I was in the 8th grade, Mr. Rowland. (The fact that I can remember his name says a lot since I don’t remember a lot from way back then! 😉
Mr. Rowland was the first person that I can remember that ever sparked my interest about God! I remember asking him countless questions and he answered every single one. If I could tell him what I appreciated about him it would be that he listened to me and took the time to answer the questions I had.
And I (Dave) am indebted to Mr. Cook, my high school English teacher, who not only taught our class well but also made English relevant and even fun. I actually double-majored in English and math in college based on his and one of my older brother’s influence. I am not sure if he knew that I appreciated his impact or not. He passed away several years ago, and I wonder how many showed him gratitude.
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – Help Us Experience Appreciation
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Walking in the Light: Having a fresh encounter with Jesus.
We often think of Jesus as our Savior and Our Lord (and He is), but we may not always think of Him as a teacher. He longs for you to sit at His feet and allow Him to teach you. He spent His ministry teaching, pouring Himself into others, so that they and we would know His truth. He took every opportunity to teach those that surrounded Him. He taught the masses. He even spent time in many one-on-one lessons, personally speaking to a single heart because every single person matters to Him.
Do you take time out of each day to “sit at His feet” and soak up all He has to teach you? Do you allow Him to teach you one-on-one just as He did when He walked on earth? Do you read His word? His word is our instruction manual for this life!
I have been listening to this song a bunch lately. Will you take a few minutes to listen and spend time at your Teacher’s feet? Enjoy friends! (click link below)
Light Source #2: God’s Word is a lamp and a light, so walk in the light of frequent experiences of doing His Word. Psalm 119: 105
Let’s do:
Galatians 6:6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
We can often take our teachers for granted thinking they are just doing their job. I know a few school teachers, and I can tell you, they don’t get paid enough! They often take work home with them and prepare for the next day on their own time. They go in early so the classroom can be set up before school even opens and most of those who are Bible or Sunday school teachers are volunteers! It’s all on their time!
Teachers do what they do because they love making a difference in other people’s lives. Let’s take Galatians 6:6 to heart and show some appreciation to those that instruct us. What need can you meet for a teacher you know? How can you give to or serve a teacher to stir the joy of gratitude?
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with believers and others”the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
As we began this session of the 52 Week Plan, I asked if you had any teachers, Sunday school teachers or mentors that were special to you. I asked if you could tell them what you appreciated about them, what would it be and why?
With that special teacher in mind, would you go ahead, if possible, to write a note or send a small gift of appreciation and share what you appreciate about him/her? This could be for you personally or for what that special teacher/coach/mentor means to your child or child of influence – (grandchild,niece,nephew,cousin etc).
You just might brighten a special person’s day, and God just may use you to speak much-needed encouragement into a lonely heart.