At a dinner gathering the guests were all sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?”

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?”

Teacher Bonnie had a reputation for honesty and frankness. She replied, "You want to know what I make?” She paused for a second, then began…

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

“I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

“I make kids sit through forty minutes of class time when their parents can’t make them sit for five minutes without a phone, i-Pad, Game Cube or a DVD.

Do you really want to know what I make?”

She paused again, looked at each and every person sitting at the table and then said,

"I make kids wonder.

“I make them question.

“I make them apologize and mean it.

“I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

“I teach them how to write, and then make them write. Keyboarding isn’t everything.

“I teach them how to read, and then I make them read, read, read.

“I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.

“I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

“I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe and secure. I’m willing to be there for them in class or virtually, wearing a mask as required due to COVID-19.

“Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work. hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.”

Bonnie paused one last time and then continued…

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are so ignorant. You want to know what I make? I make a difference in all your lives, educating your kids and preparing them to become CEOs, and doctors and engineers…

“What do you make Mr. CEO?”

His jaw dropped as he went silent.

- Author Unknown

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A PRAYER FOR TEACHERS and STUDENTS: Dear Lord, We pray for Your peace and protection for the beginning of the school year, and for the whole year ahead. We thank you in advance for all that you have in store and ask that You would unfold great blessings in the coming days for teachers and students.

We ask for Your wisdom and grace for each teacher as he/she prepares to lead classes each day, whether it be in the classroom or through the computer. Equip them for every good work you have prepared ahead of time. We ask that Your strength would fill them, that You would enable them to do all they they do with a heart of compassion and grace that comes straight from You.

Give them ability and effectiveness as they teach; fill them with creativity and passion for this very important role that You have called them to. Give them laughter and fun every day, but especially in the times when they get tired.

And, in the moments when they feel like there is just not enough time to do all they need to do, multiply their hours and give them success to their efforts. We know that You are able to do much more with a day than each of us ever could. Remind each teacher that he/she has the incredible ability to make a difference in the life of a child…EVERY SINGLE DAY. And, remind each one that what they do is so very important, because they are a part of building greatness in our world through the next generation.

Give teachers help when they are weary; give grace when they feel they have reached the limit; give them peace when they feel overwhelmed. Empower them by Your Spirt with enough energy to match even the most active child in the class. Help them find strength in one another, reminding them that they are a team and that there is great power together, rather than alone, to face very struggle and obstacle they may come their way. Guide them as they teach in an environment affected by COVID-19.

Remind them, that more than representing a job, or a school, or a district, that they represent You; and, because of this, Your Spirit and covering are brought to school every day. And, that is a very powerful thing.

Give each teacher a spirit of discernment for every child in their classes, that they have the heart to understand each student more deeply and see each one as You see them. Give each teacher the great ability to understand every parent represented, too…remembering that You have destined every one of those paths to cross, and that You have great purpose in it all.

Give each teacher a heart shield to block out any negativity, to see through the outside to the inner fears involved; to let go of what needs to fall away; and. to hold on to what needs to be held on to.

Give wisdom to embrace encouragement and to give encouragement where it is needed. Instill in teachers and parents a heart for learning this year, because no one is ever too old to learn new things. Give all fresh perspective to see life through the eyes of a child, because sometimes important things become blurred and unclear as we grow up.

Surround the families of the students with Your care and protection, providing abundantly for every need that they may have. Protect all from the coronavirus.

Love through them, shine on them, pour out Your blessing and favor over them throughout the year.

Keep them safe!

In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

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Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech…” Titus 2:7-8

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…to Him be the glory…forever and ever…Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

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If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:

If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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