The Key To Being the "Best Teacher Ever"

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.   - John 13: 34-35 NLT

As a present and former teacher of children ages four to ten, I've often been told by them that I'm the "best teacher ever".  I just smile sweetly and thank them while thinking, "You've only had two other teachers. Come back in twenty years kid".  

But just what does it take to truly be the "best teacher ever"?  How does one transcend in effecting a student's life in such a way that the student grows to be the "best person ever"?  The lyrics to a song I was listening to during my quiet time with the Lord began to resound in my spirit as the foundation of my answer. 

“You traced the line of my fingerprints.”

I looked at my upturned palms and gazed in wonderment at the unique intricacies of my hands.  My mind immediately went to Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1 where both David and God let us know that our births are not just some random events that He "allowed" to happen. Each and every one of us was known by God before we were born.  We were specially designed by Him. He is the One who drew every line in our hands in such a way that no one else would ever have that pattern.   There is such an overwhelming, amazing, uncomprehending amount of concentrated love God has poured into creating our bodies and every day of our lives. 

It's the same God, who took the time to etch lines into your palms, that takes the time to love on you each and every day.  He daily loads you with benefits and offers you the wisdom, strength, and love that you need to teach His children. So, if you truly desire to be

the "best teacher ever", you must first realize just how much God loves you so that you can love as He loves.  When you wholly understand the fullness of the grace, mercy, forgiveness, unlimited provision, council, protection, and wisdom that He provides, there will be no limit to your willingness in allowing God to use you for the betterment of your students. Operating in the same love He provides is what should be our daily aspiration.

 The bible says,  "Ah, what love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God."  Read about the depths in which the Father shows His love for you in the words and verses (click on link to read the scriptures) below and remember that as you head back into the classroom this week, to make sure and begin each day with reminders of His love for you. Place a copy of these scriptures around your desk, in your lunch box, on your computer, or even in your car. Post these love notes any and everywhere you can!  

He collects your tears in a bottle and records them:  

He has written your name on the palm of His hands:

He set you apart for this work before you were even born:

He knitted every part of you together in your mother’s womb:

The hairs on your head are numbered by God:

He knows everything about you:

He wants you to live eternally with Him:

 Realize His love.

 Bask in His love.

But more importantly...

Share His love.

The Lord is with you and you are loved,

Happy New Year!!!!

If you haven't done so already, check out my webpage: www.educatordominion.com.  There are new resource links for bible studies, meditations, and words of encouragements available to aid you as an educator in your walk with Christ.  Please share with a coworker or use it as a tool for evangelism.

This week's song is part of an hour long prayer soaking. It's amazing! Enjoy.