"We can make our plans,
but the Lord determines our steps."
Proverbs 16:9

As a teacher, September has always been a special time of year. For me, it is about new beginnings. I get more excited about the fresh start of a cool, crisp September morning, than the loud and commercialized New Year's Eve. It is a time to reset my schedule and develop new routines, to look at my eating and exercise habits, and to set numerous goals for my school family and for myself.

I am a fifth grade team teacher and I have 75 children. The night before school starts, I probably get less sleep than any of my students. I am reminded that I have an incredible responsibility and that it is a gift. I have a chance to impact the lives of these children -- if only for 180 days. They each enter my classroom with their own stories, their fears, their expectations, their hopes, their good habits and bad -- and I am reminded that one thoughtless remark can shatter a spirit, one angry look can dim a heart, one bad test grade can frustrate the most capable.

So I am reminded how much I must live my faith in my daily life. I am reminded that each child is a child of God -- a gift from God. I am reminded to be more loving, more patient, and more understanding. I am reminded of the power of words. I am reminded to pray more and gossip less. I am reminded that is doesn't take much to be kind.

They say people will not remember what you said or did, but they will remember how they felt when they were with you. When June arrives, will my children feel loved and cared for? Will they feel I was fair and kind? Will they feel that they were encouraged and challenged to do their best?

So as I pack my lunch and head out the door to school, I find myself remembering that we all have gifts and talents. What we do with them is our gift to God. I know I am a good teacher, but as a new school year begins I must ask myself -- can I be an even better teacher this year?

What about you? How will you live your faith each day? What new beginnings will you initiate this September?

"Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we do: through your Son, Jesus Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever." Amen
   Lutheran Book of Worship, Page 15

Contributed by Betsy R.
Published Sunday September 5, 2004
Week 41 of Liturgical Year C