Second Thoughts ~ Teachers

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you, Dear Reader.

Since it is Teacher Appreciation Day, I thought I would spend my second thought expressing some of that appreciation.  I will start with a general “thank you” to all who have labored over the years, both difficult and easy ones, to teach me.  I know that I was not always a good student both academically and socially.  Thank you for teaching me.

I would like to call out some of the teachers that mean the most to me.  I must start with my grade two teacher, Miss Smith.  I wish that I could tell her face to face how much she meant to me.,  You can read about her in Sheetrock on the Road.  She taught me that my words had power.

Miss Simms taught me that if I worked I could reason my way through almost anything.  Miss O’Conner instructed me in the difference between knowing versus being able to prove to others that I know.  Sister Eileen helped me see that my curiosity had great value.  Mr. Streib taught what a Bard was and that I could be one without compromising my faith.

Professor Myers taught me how to love teaching.  Professor Wulf made sure I knew how good I was at the craft.  Professor Johns handed me challenges that helped me see the world in a more balanced way.  Professor Farley taught me to love obscure knowledge and embrace dry humor.  Professor Williams rekindled my love of literature and puns.

Every teacher sacrifices something to embrace the calling to teach.  My decades as a teacher were the easiest work I have ever done.  It is those few students who take the time to truly say thank you that mean the most in later years.  It is my honor to attempt that tonight.  What teachers do you wish to thank Dear Reader?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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On Giving Thanks – Education

Greetings Dear Reader,

No matter how I feel about any of it, I have had an excellent education.  My mum sacrificed so that I could go to excellent primary and secondary schools.  The colleges I attended were also excellent.  Good teachers invested time in me.  God gifted me with a good intellect.

I have been able to develop strong work and success at that work because of my education.  I am able to process and apply truth because of the training I have had.  I value learning as a lifelong process because of the training I have received.  I am able to help others.  I have been blessed to teach others and help improve lives because of education.

I have had teachers and mentors along the way who helped shape my knowledge, wisdom, and character.  They have built into me things that are eternal and enduring.  They have given me a higher purchase from which to view the world.  They have been my friends.

I am thankful for the education that I have and realize the accountability it holds for me.  If I do not have gratitude for this then I cannot hope to pass it on properly.  I must avoid the pride that accompanies knowledge and instead seek wisdom.  With gratitude begins the journey toward wisdom that will ensure that my intellect is used for Christ.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)