As schools open their doors once again, the time-honored tale of an exceptional teacher imparting not just academic knowledge, but timeless life lessons come to mind. In an age where educational institutions often prioritize quantitative achievements over qualitative growth, this story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact dedicated educators.

A young high school student took a walk one day with one of his teachers, who was noted for his fairness in dealing with the young people in his classes.

As the two walked, they came across a pair of old shoes lying alongside the path. Seeing a laborer working in a nearby field, they assumed the shoes belonged to him. The man was just ending his day’s work.

Turning to his teacher, the student chuckled, “Let’s play a trick on the old duffer. Let’s hide his shoes, conceal ourselves behind these bushes, and watch his bewilderment when he can’t find them.”

“Do you really think we should do that?” asked the teacher.

“Let me make a different suggestion. Why not surprise the old fellow by putting a silver dollar in each shoe, then watch his reaction when he finds the money?”

The student wasn’t exactly enthusiastic but went along with the idea. When the poor man finished his work and slipped his shoes on, he felt something hard inside. Surprised, he looked at the coins, fell to his knees, and thanked God for providing the money he desperately needed for his family.

“Don’t you feel happier,” whispered the professor, “for having helped the old fellow rather than playing a trick on him?”

The student had to agree.1

Every single occasion offers an excellent opportunity to teach lessons in life. The many times that I have been with educators all over the country I have constantly reminded them that I could not remember many of the lessons and assignments that were taught to me in grade school. But I sure can remember the kindness, the gentleness, the lessons about life and living that only the excellent took pains to teach me, and I have found them useful until today. I can also remember well the faces of the teachers who were bullies and cruel until today.

Excellent teachers are creative. They do not preach. They use life moments as their lesson books to teach kids goodness, kindness and passion. It’s easier to reprimand, reproof, lecture and admonish, but it does take a little more effort to teach good moral lessons out of a given situation creatively.

I am sure there are many excellent teachers today. How blessed are teachers who know how to do this as presented in our story today by Donald E. and Vesta Mansell in their book titled “Sure as the Dawn.”

In a website article titled “Beatitudes for Children Workers” taken from a website, teachers who are considered “blessed” are the following:

Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for the Lord will honor your commitment and give you pleasure and satisfaction in your ministry to children.

Blessed are they who love children with all their heart, for they shall be rewarded with hugs and smiles.

Blessed are they who have planned and prepared, for the children will be interested and pay attention.

Blessed are they who arrive early, for they shall be able to welcome the children at the door with a loving smile.

Blessed are those who get to know their children, their children’s parents, and their children’s home situation; for they shall be able to minister more effectively.

Blessed are they who respect each child’s personality and seek to meet that child at his own level of understanding, for young lives shall reap benefits from these efforts in years to come.

Blessed are they who spend time alone with God each day, for they shall grow spiritually, and the Lord will use them as His instruments.

Blessed are they who bear witness to children week after week, for they shall see boys and girls grow in knowledge and love of God.

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Stanley Hammond

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