Sunday, May 26, 2013

Significant Accomplishments ~ not necessarily as the world defines them


Graduation caps tossed into the air ~ Google image

For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:18-19 (NASB)

The school year has ended and the last chords of pomp and circumstance have faded away.  It was a beautiful day for the graduates to toss their caps into the air.  When I returned home from the ceremony, I made myself a glass of iced tea and headed for my favorite spot in the backyard.  I had a stack of a hundred plus papers to read.  No, they weren’t more papers to grade.  They were the notes my students wrote to me on their last day in class. 

I will say, as we say in the South, they “did my heart good”.  And I treasure and will treasure my students’ messages.  They got me to thinking about accomplishments.  I’ve had a few in my life that the world recognizes as “significant”.  The cords I wore at my multiple graduations have for the most part lost their meaning to me.  When I think of these letters from my students, I wonder whether those other accomplishments have any real significance at all.  To me, these words mean so much more.

Even though I already knew it, it’s nice to read that I was a favorite.  But what pleases me even more is to read that so many students thought they were my favorite.

 “I was your favorite student.”

“With love from your favorite student.”

“You don’t have to say it ‘cause I know I was your favorite.”
It’s good to feel like a “favorite”.

We should all have a person who sees the best in us despite “in your face” realities ~ despite acne and deficient hygiene, despite missing homework and mistakes. 

We all need someone who can set us to believing in the goodness and the possibilities in ourselves ~ through little conversations now forgotten, smiles that proved I notice, encouraging words that say I care.

We all need at least one person who will confirm that our outlandish dreams are plausible ~ one person who will dig deep to plant seeds of beauty and hope in the rich soil of our hearts. 

 “I always looked forward to coming to your class.”

“You brought peace to my day always smiling.”

 “To the one teacher who cared how my hand writing is.”

“I learned French but you taught me so much more.”

“You’ve spoken nothing but good things about me and that truly means a lot.”

“You believe in second chances.”
“Always remember me.  I will either be reporting on the news or traveling the world and visiting different countries.”
“Don’t forget how important you were/are to me.”
Happy tears filled my eyes as I read their farewell letters.  It may sound a little “cheesy”, but I’m happy that I was important in the lives of those young people.  To me, more than an endearing accomplishment, it is one with enduring significance.  I don't think I ever realized that so much as I do now.
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Ephesians 1:12
My favorite corner of the yard
Thank you for allowing me this indulgence.  I really wanted to share a little bit from the letters with you. 

Thank you so much for visiting Write Moments with God.  I am honored that you are here, and I hope you'll come again.  Be pleased to leave your comments below.  I appreciate what you have to say.   Have a lovely Memorial Day holiday.  May God bless you and your family.

13 comments:

  1. Touching lives. Isn't that a wonderful job to have? You need not respond since I already know I'm your favorite...okay, at least I know I'm God's favorite.

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  2. Bless your heart Rebecca. You make me smile. I know...we are God's favorite. How wonderful He is that we can feel like we are "the apple of His eye".

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  3. A great teacher makes every student feel special. I loved that so many kids thought they were your "favorite." Obviously, you're making a difference. Glad they let you know it. :o) Bless you!

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  4. Thank you Lou Ann. Several wrote that and I just couldn't get over it. I really can't put into words how wonderful that made me feel. I appreciate hearing from you. Blessings...

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  5. That is why I loved teaching for the short season I got to do it. To look at those graduates and know something you did or said may stay with them and give them courage to do new things--priceless. You have one of the best jobs there is in terms of making a difference!

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  6. Rose,
    I wish you could have been my high school teacher!
    Even though I met you in a moment of time, you are one I've wanted to stay in touch with.
    Your smile and positive nature is Christ like.
    I love what your students had to say of you...because it is all true.
    I want to share these words with my daughter who just got into PT school.
    I feel all those words will encourage her.

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  7. Thank you Grace for your sweet words. We really did make a connection. I hope these words will minister to your daughter. Thanks for taking your time to comment. God bless you.

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  8. It shows what a great teacher you are, Rose. You obviously made no distinctions with your students; therefore, they all thought they were your favorite. Just as we are all the same with Jesus (His favorite)!

    Great blog!

    Thanks.

    Vanessa

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  9. Thank you Vanessa. That means a lot to me coming from a fellow educator like you. I'm so glad to see you here. Blessings.

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  10. How beautiful Rose and what a good feeling that you made so many students feel so special, cared about and loved. What a great testament to you as a person and a teacher. You really made a difference in their lives! How special to be able to read those letters and cherish them!

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  11. One wondrous thing about being a teacher is that some seeds are sown that we will never see grow and produce because time and experiences must embrace and nurture those seeds before they will sprout up. It's like a treasure is just waiting to be realized down the road beyond our knowing!

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  12. Rose ...

    I just finished graduation with my first class of four years ... New Hampstead opened four years ago. Hearing "thank you" from a young man who I drove as crazy as he did me was the best part of my day!

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