This week’s column might have a little different feel to it than you might be used to and I hope you will accept my apology if I disappoint. While I look forward to this opportunity to share some thoughts or teachings from my personal work and ministry, I felt compelled to share something different this time around.
Our family has had the privilege of living and serving in the Fulton County area for almost nine years and we feel blessed to call it home. While every town and city has their own quirks and challenges, there are some great things about this area. I can say without a doubt that one of this area’s greatest strengths are the people who lead, staff and work in our local schools.
I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know many of our local teachers and I always come away impressed with the heart they have for their students and the passion to teach and impact their lives. Right now at Mill Creek, there are seven different school systems represented by teachers and support staff and they are incredible people. I am so thankful for the education my children are receiving and am grateful for the teachers that have impacted their lives.
I know as a community it’s easy to criticize and evaluate our schools and teachers harshly and sometimes that might be necessary if not up to par but I think it’s easy to forget how much time and energy all local teachers and staff put into their jobs. Evaluation and accountability is necessary but let’s not forget appreciation and affirmation. We have a saying around our church, no perfect people allowed. It exists to remind us that no one is perfect, that failure is not the end and grace should always be the rule. I know that our schools and staffs are not perfect either but that shouldn’t stop us from showing appreciation for the work that they do every day.
To everyone who works hard to teach, educate, coach and lead our local children I say thank you. For those who support our teachers as aides, to the cafeteria workers, secretaries, bus drivers, custodians and all support staff, I say thank you. If you work in our schools, you probably do not always get the thanks deserved and more criticism than merited. Thank you for your energy and passion. Thank you for the early mornings and late nights. Thank you for having patience and a firm hand. Thank you for believing in the potential of every child. From one person who notices some of what you do, thank you!
For some fun? It's March - that means Spartan and Izzo time:
