[ampaterry]

And how do we LEARN those things?
Education.
And our formal education we get in school.
And this, the first full week in May, is designated Teacher Appreciation Week, and Tuesday of that week – today – is National Teachers Day. Everyone has memories of certain teachers. Some remember the teacher as the ugly woman with a ruler that cracked their knuckles for no good reason. Some remember the beautiful lady they had a secret crush on, who helped them understand all things. Some remember the guy who thought all boys should learn how to fight, so staged fights in the back of the room. Some remember the one who, when caught in an error, would fly into a rage over it. Personally, I remember one of each of these.

But think about it. The Teacher today stands in the gap between the parents who want one thing and the government that often demands the opposite. They are faced with a classroom in which the majority of students have never had any discipline whatsoever, and do not understand the meaning of “No!” They are pushed by one faction to crack on the kids and keep them in line and by another faction to allow them to express themselves in any way they choose. They stand in the gap between those who demand they never mention reproduction and those who expect them to teach the kids how to use a condom. And they do all of this for below average pay.
Arnold Toynbee, in A Study of History said that we are “never more than one generation from barbarism". That is because every child is born a barbarian, and must be educated into becoming a civilized person. We depend on the teachers to perform this miraculous transformation.

Remember that teacher that had such a positive effect on your life? Think about them today. If you can, give them a call or send them a card or e-mail, and say “Thank you!” for what they did for you.

Remember that teacher who treated you completely unfairly? It is your duty as a Christian to forgive them.

Scripture speaks often of the importance of education:
Proverbs 19:20 (KJV);
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Thank you, Miss Serino, for engendering in me an unquenchable desire to learn. Were it possible, I would give you a hug this morning.

And Mrs. Guthrie, I forgive you for being a sadist who had no business dealing with children. Were it possible, I would send you a glass of ice water, as I am sure you could use it in your present location.

There I go again - -

May God bless all teachers today, and each person here.