We all have had teachers in our lives that have impacted us in some way. Someone who encouraged us to go to college, some to make us strive for our goals, and others who pushed us to be the best that we can be. School teachers that made sure our education was put to good use.

We also have teachers that were put in our lives to teach us how to be better human beings. Some of those individuals we may or may not have had a close relationship with; individuals who teach by example; individuals who exemplify what it is to be a caring Christian. Those are the type of teachers I’m going to share today.

There was Bev, a community business acquaintance who stepped up when Cindy died. I still remember the call where she said that “every Wednesday I will be bringing supper to you and the boys”. It wasn’t a question, it was a matter of fact. For weeks, like clockwork, every Wednesday our family was fed.

As much as I wish I could say I learned from my teacher Bev, I didn’t; well at least at that point in my life, I didn’t. It took a while for me to realize what she was teaching me; that an inconvenience to my time is insignificant compared to the benefit to others; that acquaintances and even strangers are worthy of compassion; that your own past experiences should provide the impetus to act.

Then there was Lyle, who I have mentioned before. He was my employer when I first came to the Cissna Park area and was trying to ‘make ends meet’. Lyle was the owner of a major agricultural accounting software company in Minnesota and I managed sales in Illinois & Indiana for him.

After I left the company, we stayed good friends, that is till he passed from prostate cancer. We would talk by phone, usually because I was in need of advice. He would drop what ever he was doing to engage in my conversation. Whenever I would ask him how he was doing with his illness, his response was always “I’m still buying green bananas”.

Lyle tried to teach me to share my knowledge with others, to be forward-looking in the face of adversity, and to keep your sense of humor despite the circumstances. I miss Lyle.

Most recently, I’ve watched how other teachers have entered Suzanne’s life. There’s Beth, who has relentlessly sent Suzanne cards of encouragement, love, and hope; Cheryl, who has befriended Suzanne with visits, calls & texts; and a mysterious person who has sent Suzanne puzzle pieces providing her with anticipation for the future.

I’ve been attending the class of life for a lot of years but I still feel like I’m in grade school, guess I’m just a slow learner. I’ve had so many life teachers over the years; teachers who taught me what it is to be a caring person; teachers who showed me that no matter how busy I am, there should still be time for others; teachers who glorify the Lord in their behavior.

Someday, I’ll graduate from the school of life, and when I do, my hope is that someone will say I was their teacher.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 14:26