Imagine

Imagine that you are a servant who is always up first and the last to go to bed; who has to clean up every mess; who is held responsible for every mistake
BUT…You would have no other job
Then you would be a teacher!

Imagine that you are a pastor who spends at least five hours a day, five days a week with each member; who deals with hundreds of eager, thirsting souls; who is always visiting your congregants;
BUT…Your members always came to you
Then you would be a teacher!

Imagine that you are a lawyer who solves other people’s problems all day long; who mediates between litigants every day; who has to lay down the law every day
BUT…You love each complainant
Then you would be a teacher!

Imagine that you are an accountant who has to balance every debit and credit; who has to make sure that every entry is accurate; who has to do regular reconciliations
BUT…You never make a profit
Then you would be a teacher!

Imagine that you are a doctor who has to treat all sorts of ailments; who has to ‘kiss better’ knees and elbows; who has to have the right ‘bedside manners’
BUT…You never lost your patience
Then you would be a teacher!

Imagine that you are a judge who always has to look ‘official’; who has to do a lot of research on each case; who determines people’s futures
BUT…You are biased in favour of each client
Then you would be a teacher!

Imagine that you are an evangelist who loves to share the gospel message; who wants to make a difference in people’s lives; 36% of whose listeners will make a decision to follow Jesus
BUT…You do not have one week or two weeks or three weeks for your campaign, you have 200 days each year
Then you would be a teacher!

Imagine that everybody wants your holidays but nobody wants your job
Imagine that those that you serve recognize you as the ultimate authority
Imagine that your work gives rise to every other
Imagine that you hold someone’s future in your hands
Imagine that you are walking in the footsteps of your Saviour

IMAGINE, Imagine, imagine … being a teacher!

Editor’s Note: Originally prepared as a graphic, this piece was written for educators “with grateful appreciation for your dedication.”

Author

Pierre J Birkenstock

Is the Education Director - Northern Conference of South Africa. Has had over 35 years’ experience in SDA schools, mostly in administration. Has served in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. About to retire and pastoring Meyerton SDA Church in South Africa.