Poet's Page ~ September 2009

September is often referred to as “back to school month.” I like this because some of my fondest memories are of the years when I participated in “the first day of school,” as a student and later as a teacher. I loved school. I played school when I was a child. I looked forward to the first day of school when I was a teacher. Something about “school” appealed to me. I was a “fit” in the classroom. So, it was no surprise when I recently participated in a workshop about “Life Purpose” and discovered that mine was to be a “teacher.” When I was invited to create a purpose statement about this role, I wrote: “I am a teacher. In my presence, people discover what has meaning and value for their lives.”

The followers of Jesus often referred to him as “Rabbi” or “Teacher.” Surely as they walked and talked with him, they discovered what had meaning and value for their lives. I sometimes like to imagine I was one of those followers, open and receptive to who and what he was, eager to learn what it meant to be about the Father’s business.

Teacher

Teacher teach me now
Empty me of what I know
Fill me with the new

Teacher teach me now
Quicken the questions within
Make the answers clear

Teacher teach me now
Empower me to serve you
In ways that bring peace

Teacher teach me now
Take my hand and lead me on
I will walk with you

Teacher teach me now
I will trust when I feel fear
You are my sure guide

Teacher teach me now
I love you with all my heart
You are my best Friend

jbm