Today, the world is celebrating teachers’ day. But, do we really have a reason to celebrate? Are teachers really happy?
As published in UNESCO website, the joint statement of the four prominent education leaders said:
"On World Teachers’ Day, we are not only celebrating every teacher. We are calling on countries to invest in them and prioritize them in global education recovery efforts so that every learner has access to a qualified and supported teacher. Let’s stand with our teachers!"
While we all know that there is still a long way to go before we, teachers, be rightly acknowledged and served in all matters of life, let’s all remain hopeful and prayerful.
As written in Matthew 21:21-22,
Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea," and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
With that allow me to share my five favorite Bible chapters and verses that keep me going. I hope, my dear teachers, reading this will lighten your load, warm your heart, and make you smile.
1. Matthew 7: 7-8
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
May these lines remind us that He is always with us ready to listen, to give, and to provide. Let our prayers be clear to Him and believe that it will be granted in His perfect timing.
Another Bible verse which I love singing is:
2. Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
I especially love singing this when I am exhausted, burned-out, or frustrated. I know that you too have persistently experienced exhaustion and frustration. I know many times you have cried and asked when will our works ever end. Do not forget to surrender everything to Him. Surely, He can give us rest.
The next two may help you, too. When you are lost and feeling hopeless, remember to lean on Him and do things with love. This can be easy if we trust our Lord.
3. Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
4. 1 Corinthians 16:14
14 Let all that you do be done in love.
Lastly, always start and end your day with a positive heart. Find ways to celebrate God’s abundant goodness every day and say,
5. Psalm 145: 3-7
3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. 5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7 They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Let’s not forget that Jesus Christ himself is a teacher. He knows us well. He knows all our heartaches, pains, and struggles. Continue praying because He is always listening. Continue advocating quality education because He is always guiding and supporting us. He is always with us!
Happy World Teachers' Day!
Let's stand with our teachers!
Citations:
UNESCO. (2021). World Teachers' Day. https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldteachersday