Is it Worth it?

Over the course of my years as a teacher, I had many days when I asked myself if it was worth it.  Those may have been days when students were uncooperative, or a dissatisfied parent made me feel worthless, or I just had so much to do that it seemed insurmountable. Fortunately, that was not every day, and when those days happened, I always thought, “Yes, it is worth it.” Why?  

It was worth it because one day a student who always said he hates to read told me, “That was the best book ever!” 

It was worth it because in my classroom I could provide the safest, calmest, most secure place in some students’ lives.  

It was worth it because I was helping to form memories in children’s minds of programs, field trips, and special projects.  

It was worth it because God was using a flawed person such as myself to teach the students about His great love for them.  

As educators, we have all had a student who is difficult. The one who misbehaves doesn’t do his work, and would rather be anywhere than at school. Recently I received a text from one such student who is twenty-seven years old now. I taught him in fifth through eighth grade, and then was his vice principal when he was in high school. The text said, “Just thinking about you. I’m more than grateful for all you’ve done for me over the years.

Attending school was never my favorite, but you could always help out and know what to say. I’m forever indebted. And just wanted you to know the impact you have made on my life. I am a better person today for who you were back then. I just wanted to reach out and say thank you. I know I was solely responsible for any and all bottles of Advil in your desk back in the day.”  

We may not all receive a message like that one, but that does not mean that each teacher is not making a significant impact in each student’s life – an impact that hopefully will have eternal results.  

I am most looking forward to seeing each of my past students in Heaven. It will be such an honor, a blessing, and confirmation that every moment of frustration, exhaustion, and stress as a teacher was very much worth it!