At the beginning of each year, teachers often plan for "getting acquainted" activities that give a glimpse into the lives of their new classmates. My sixth graders completed an activity called "I am/am a ..." in which they drew an uppercase, bubble letter "I" on a sheet of cardstock and filled in the bubble part with words that describe themselves. This was a lot of fun to observe as I walked around their tables reading their responses. It's interesting to note, however, that while some students dove right in to filling their letter, others were quite hesitant. I overheard one student asking another: "How would you describe me?" I had to smile and shake my head a little because these were students who had known each other for just a few days! One boy sat at his table and filled his letter with very LARGE letters so he could be done with assignment. He told me he just doesn't really know who is or how to describe himself. After a few words of encouragement, I walked away asking myself whether I really knew who I was and the words I thought of were quite obvious: Christian, wife, mother, sister, friend and teacher. Then I  remembered what Cynthia has shared with me over the course of our friendship. Her mom would tell her three children that they were a child of the King; Cynthia and her sister would be princesses! For all the wonderful ways my parents raised me and the words of encouragement that they offered, I was never told that I was going to hold a title that would speak of my destiny.

As this past week progressed, I couldn't get the words of this hymn out of my mind:
I'm a child of the king, a child of the king, with Jesus my Savior, I'm a child of the king.

What peace and contentment these words bring, but more than that is the very real connection and relationship with Jesus Christ that cements my very identity. As my students become more acquainted with me this year, I want them to know and see that I know who I am: a child of the King. I  think I know what this teacher's homework is this weekend: fill in that bubble letter "I" with the largest letters that it will hold: child of the King!

While attending a workshop recently, teachers were asked who has had the greatest influence on us during our teaching career. My parents quickly came to mind, but to be honest, my dad actually had the most influence on my decision to teach. His words of encouragement propelled me forward in times of uncertainty when the path to follow was unclear. When I was hesitant or unsure, his words of assurance gave me a sense of security. He celebrated my successes and listened attentively during my struggles. After teaching for about five years, dad and I began discussing whether I should pursue a master's degree. I was nervous. What kind of studies would be required? Would there be a lot of homework? I wondered how much writing was involved and whether I was up to the task. I spent much time in prayer during this time. There was a nudging I felt, but couldn't quite describe, that gave me a feeling of peace to listen to my dad. Several months later, after dad and I sorted through all of my misgivings, I soon moved forward with registering for master's classes. Now dad didn't push me in a direction that he thought would be bad for me and I didn't make the decision because I thought it would make him happy. Dad could see where I was in my career and had the wisdom to gently persuade me toward making a decision that he felt confident would bring me success and pleasure. While I felt a fear of the unknown and had many "what if" questions, dad saw the benefits of a challenge. He had faith in my abilities to succeed in this particular task.
You see where I'm going with this, right?  While driving home from the workshop I was thinking about how much I loved my dad and how grateful I was for his presence in my life. My thoughts went directly to those of my Heavenly Father. There is no way my earthly father could compare with Him, however, He is the one who blessed and loved me with my dad.

              For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. Psalm 139: 13 (NKJV)

My Abba Father offers me a measure of love, faithfulness, grace, mercy, and salvation that are incomparable. While my earthly father has passed away, I still have a Father that I can go to when I need direction in my life, hope, or security. He has made promises to me that no one else can make or fulfill.
When I reached home that afternoon, I offered up praise and thanksgiving for the gift of an earthly father who has gone to rest and the Father who will always be with me until the end of time. I am a better child of God for having both in my life.