Just a _____________

Since the beginning of school, I've seen a lot of articles about the state of education and the teaching profession in general. Last week, one of my dear friends who is going through a teacher prep program share a all-too-familiar encounter with a gentleman who suggested that her career choice to be "just a teacher" was an "easy way out." It was so nice to see the comments of those who encouraged and validated her life's calling--including her peers, teachers, and others. I wanted to reply, but my answer turned into a blog post, hence, today's post. (And if you're not a teacher, hang in there... I have a point... I promise!)

But here's the thing. The "easy way out" is something I've heard myself. You guys, I actually had a teacher who told me I shouldn't be a teacher because I "had more to offer." So I know it hurts. It seeps in from some of the most unexpected areas of our lives sometimes. And it's a lie. It's one of the biggest lies I've ever let myself believe. It's such a big lie that I fear it's hurting our nation very near the future's core--these kids are our future. And these kids? They're down-right incredible. Step inside my classroom and see. The students of today need so much more than just teachers.

They need caring hands.
They need astute minds.
They need creative innovators.
They need intuitive spirits.

They need willing hearts.
They need resiliant wills.
They need relentless souls.
They need great educators.

My students? They are passionate, intelligent, and resilient. They love big, "feel" big, and want to do big things. They have hopes and dreams and goals that are so sweetly unique and beautiful in each of their own ways. They are so much more than "just students," so they need--and deserve--so much more than "just teachers."

If you can remember a teacher who had an impact on you, then this is what I'm talking about. What you probably didn't know is the hours they poured into their lessons. The days they labored to love you better, to love you more. The tears they cried over your struggles, your passions, and your victories. And if you're lucky, the prayers they prayed over you while you passed them in the hallway,  wrote essays, and took tests.

Don't get me wrong, there are so many days I question my calling. There are so many other things that I would love to do. But there are so many other moments that humble me and put things into perspective--when a student pours their heart out in an essay; when the light bulb goes off for a struggling student; when an otherwise uninterested student gets excited; when my conference is interrupted by a student just wanting to talk; when I grade papers and see improvement by leaps and bounds. I could go on and on, but those are just the things that happened last week.

Maybe you know what if feels like to be degraded to "just a _____________. " Mulling this over for quite some time, I was reminded tonight in bible study about Jesus' parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The point of our gifts and our callings has nothing to do with us. It's all about how we get to share and grow them. Sure, we can keep them to ourselves or we could say, "oh, but it's 'just' a little thing," but that's not THE call. We get to make disciples. We could have an attitude of "just" or an attitude of "must."  

How much more is God glorified when we find joy in every aspect of our lives?
How much more if God glorified when we feel an urgent need to fulfill the calling He has given us?
How much more is God glorified when we use our gifts to be multipliers for His kingdom?

Maybe, you feel like you're "just a _____________." Maybe, someone has made you feel small. Maybe, you look around and wonder what you even have to offer. Maybe, you just don't believe you're valued. I get that. I've been there. But the point of Jesus's parable is that with whatever we are given, we are to multiply it. We are to take our little or our lot and turn it into something more for the sake of the gospel. My friend, if you're a Jesus-follower, then that IS your call, it may just take other forms like teaching. And even if following Jesus is the only call you're sure of, believe me, it's enough. You might not think you have a lot to offer, but you have the gospel. And if you have the gospel, you have the single most important thing that can be shared with someone else--no matter your degree, your pay check, or your profession. Friend, there is so much fulfillment in taking action towards what God has called you to do. What would the world look like if we got over our justs and wildly pursued our musts?