During this time of Thanksgiving, it is important to remember all the things we have to be grateful for. While we may focus on things like being grateful for good health, family, friends, jobs, cars, home, food, water, electricity, and material possessions, it is also important to recognize and appreciate the role that teachers play in our lives. Teachers are often overlooked, but their influence and guidance are invaluable. There are teachers who go above and beyond to educate and inspire us, shaping our minds and helping us grow into successful individuals. I often feel a heartfelt gratitude for the teachers of yesteryear who have made a positive impact on my life.
When I look back on my life, I remember with a smile the teachers who had an impact on my life. One such teacher was my 6th-grade teacher, who happened to hold a Ph.D. and was awaiting a job offer as a university professor. He gave me an understanding of the stock market at an early age, and I even managed to generate a small fortune by investing in the then-emerging company McDonald’s (it was fake money). Math wasn’t as intimidating as it seemed, and I quickly grasped basic Spanish phrases, such as “¿Cómo te llamas?”. He also fostered unknown artistic abilities through a variety of fun art projects. He taught all subjects, kudos to Mr. Smith, he excelled at it.
During my time in Jr. High school, I learned valuable skills from two contrasting teachers. One of them was a strict older typing teacher who emphasized the importance of accuracy over speed. The other teacher, a warmhearted drama teacher, played a vital role in helping me feel more comfortable in public speaking. I also learned confidence in expressing myself in front of others and memorizing information.
In High School, my history teacher taught me the importance of proper research and presenting accurate information. To engage the class, I made a movie with a friend’s Super 8mm camera and had to splice the film together to edit it. I learned how to delve more deeply into topics using library resources (no internet back then). Another teacher who greatly influenced me was my science teacher. While he introduced us to the world of science, he also encouraged us to critically examine theories, for example, Darwin’s theory of evolution. He showed us that there are many scientists who dispute Darwin’s theory. I remember the teacher saying, “ I don’t have enough faith to believe humans evolved from a primordial soup.” I didn’t believe it either. I still don’t. Why? Because I’ve read Genesis 1.
Additionally, my 11th-grade English teacher, who happened to be pregnant at the time, challenged me to write better. She encouraged me to read the entire trilogy of “The Lord of the Rings,” a total of 1200 pages. I also had to write detailed book reports, create mural posters summarizing each one, and present them to the class. Along with other classes, the rigorous coursework demanded hours of dedication, but it ultimately prepared me for the academic challenges ahead, leading me to graduate an entire year early and feel confident to tackle college-level studies.
Most every high school student was expected to go to college in order to get a good job. However, by now, I was tired of going to school and, like many, suffered through many of the required classes in college. I did learn one thing: I chose the wrong major; however, it’s okay to reverse course and choose another path. I am grateful for the diverse skills and perspectives imparted by my dedicated teachers. They instilled in me the importance of thorough research, critical thinking, objective analysis, and a love for learning. The good teachers out there, ones that truly care, coupled with excellent teaching skills, can prepare us for success in our lives.
I never dreamed I would be a teacher myself. I sold computers in the early ’90s but then, I began seeing a need for people struggling with the computers they bought. So, I began teaching software programs to those in the workplace, from the release of Windows 3.1 (1992) as well as Office 95 (1995). Later, it would be teaching dozens and dozens of other software programs throughout the years. I wanted to help people overcome their fear and frustration of using technology, so I stepped into the role of teaching and retiring after 30 years.
Who were the teachers in your life that had the most impact on you?
Later I found the really important teachers in life are spiritual teachers. I’ve spent many years reading the Bible, studying the Word, and hearing sermons and biblical scholars over the radio podcasts as I travelled for work. However, there is another teacher who has continued to influence me, and that is the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit
When I accepted Jesus as my Savior and became His follower, the Holy Spirit came to live within me. I became a new person, transformed by the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Now I have two distinct natures: my old self and my new self. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, and His purpose is to guide and shape me into becoming more like Christ. The Holy Spirit is my teacher now. If I only paid more attention to His leading instead of pushing His leading aside, life would have been much smoother. I know it’s the Holy Spirit talking to me because the thoughts and insights I receive are not something I would come up with on my own.
The Bible is inspired, literally “God-breathed” by the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. The Spirit moved the authors of all 66 books of the Bible to record exactly what He breathed into their hearts and minds. In a similar way to how the wind moves boats through their sails, the Holy Spirit moved the biblical writers to accurately record God’s message.
| Is the Author of Scripture | Steer you away from the desires of the flesh |
| 2 Peter 1:21, 2 Timothy 3:16 | Galatians 5:16-18 |
| Revealer of Truth | Helps you develop the fruit of the spirit |
| John 16:13 | Galatians 5:19-26 |
| Is Your Helper | Helps you yield to His control |
| John 14:26 | Ephesians 5:18 |
| Intercessor in prayer | Provides spiritual gifts |
| Romans 8:26-27 | 1 Corinthians 12:4 |
| Renews you | Knows the thoughts of God |
| Titus 3:5 | 1 Corinthians 2:11 |
| Conviction of Sin | Dwells in you |
| John 16:7-11 | John 14:17 |
| Bears witness we are children of God | Teaches you spiritual truths |
| Romans 8:16 | John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 |
| Overflow with hope | |
| Romans 15:13 |
I can’t imagine living on this earth without the Holy Spirit indwelling in me and giving me all the things listed above. I hope you have come to trust Jesus as your Savior, and when you do, the Holy Spirit will provide you with all these things. However, the best thing you can look forward to after you die is living forever in heaven (not the other place). How can anyone pass up all these amazing gifts the Holy Spirit provides, along with going to heaven?
Have faith – believe – tell others – leave a legacy.