I was watching the local school board channel today, a
channel I never watch, but found myself momentarily interested in an awards program
for gifted teachers.
I suddenly
realized that the program was slightly dated, since I recognized a member of
our church on stage; a fine man named Sam Bennett; (who ultimately became Dean
of Education at a local university, and for whom I subsequently worked as an adjunct
professor there).
As the video
continued, Mr. Bennett was presented the Polk County Teacher of the Year Award,
(and later won the Florida Teacher of the Year Award). He was asked to say a
few words, and he humbly stepped forward. The words he spoke were so poignant,
so telling; so provocative.
“As I look out at
all of you here, I may not be the best teacher in this county, the best in my
section, or even the best at Garner Elementary. But I hope I’m the best
…in room 32.
Teaching is a ministry. Teaching is what I can get enthused
about. Teaching is my ministry.”
I think Sam’s
implication was “It’s nice to be awarded Teacher of the Year. This may be the
most important award I ever receive. But it all comes down to ‘God, let me
minister in that small corner where you have put me. Let me reach the few you
have placed in my hand.’”
That has been my
prayer, again and again. I don’t care if I ever “have a name.” It really doesn’t matter if fame and fortune
grace my path. I just want to minister in what my associate refers to as, “The
Unfinished Room.” (And I’m convinced that the room will remain unfinished as
long as I am doing and saying those things He has called me to do and say).
For there’s always more work to do, there’s always more words
to speak, there’s always more people to touch. There’s always more tears to
shed.
For I think a man
will never be truly happy ‘til he finds himself in that proverbial room of God’s
choice, be it big or small; cooperating with God to the saving of souls, and
encouragement of the human spirit.
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