I often reminisce on my childhood, thinking of all the teachers I had in school. I certainly had my favorites. Like Miss Ashley in first grade. She allowed me to sit close to the windows where it would be cool on hot days. And then there was Miss Parr, my 3rd grade music teacher. She was tough, but taught me a lot. And I can’t forget Mr.
Stewart, my 7th grade history teacher. He would relate stories of American history where I felt I was the real Betsy Ross. There were many Sunday School teachers who took the time to sit down and see what I was coloring.
Teachers come in and out throughout your life teaching us lessons of many kinds.
I read a lot, thanks to the many great teachers I’ve been blessed with. I found the following story this week that literally blew me away. Let me share it with you: “An old man encounters a young man who greets him with a question: “Do you remember me?” The old man pauses and replies, “No, I’m sorry, I don’t.” The young man smiles and explains, “I was one of your students.” Curious, the old man asks, “Ah, I see. And what do you do now?” The young man responds, “I became a teacher.” The old man’s face lights up. “A teacher? Like me?” “Yes,” the young man says. “In fact, it was you who inspired me to become one.” Intrigued, the old man asks, “Really? What made you decide to become a teacher?” The young man takes a deep breath and begins his story: “One day, during class, a friend of mine came in wearing a beautiful new watch. I wanted it so badly that I stole it from his pocket. A little later, my friend realized his watch was missing and told you about it. You addressed the class calmly and said, ‘A student’s watch has gone missing. Whoever took it, please return it.’ I didn’t return it because I didn’t want to be caught. So, you closed the classroom door and asked us all to stand up and form a circle. You explained that you were going to search each of us until the watch was found, but then you added something that changed my life: ‘Close your eyes, everyone.’ We all closed our eyes, and you went pocket by pocket. When you reached my pocket, you found the watch, but you didn’t stop. You kept searching everyone else’s pockets, and when you were done, you simply said, ‘Open your eyes. The watch has been found.’ You never revealed who had taken it. You never said a word to me about it, not then and not after. You protected my dignity in front of the entire class. That was the most shameful day of my life, but it was also the day I learned a lesson I would never forget. I understood the power of compassion and the importance of teaching with respect and care. You didn’t humiliate me or lecture me, yet your actions spoke volumes. From that day on, I decided to change my ways and eventually become a teacher, just like you.”
“The old man listened intently, then said softly, “I remember the situation with the stolen watch. What I don’t remember is you, because when I searched everyone’s pockets, I closed my eyes too.” He smiled and added, “That’s the heart of teaching: correcting without humiliating. Otherwise, you’re not really teaching at all.” (Source unknown) This simple story speaks volumes to me. It shows me that each of us, you and me, can be teachers wherever we are in our walk in life through our actions and words. How many times has someone provided inspiration through simple acts of kindness and compassion or a gentle word of encouragement. This is a lesson we can all take to heart.
Are you ready to give a lesson to inspire someone? As scripture says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@ gmail.com
