Teachers Are Learners

Yesterday was Teacher’s Day. I wasn’t aware of it till I dropped by the school where I teach part-time. A student gave me a box and said, “Happy Teacher’s Day!” 

Teaching takes only a smidgen of my time (compared to the hours I spend on writing). But being called a teacher is precious grace, like winning a Lifetime Achievement Award.  

I have always believed that being a teacher is more like being a learner. I have saved a lifetime worth of knowledge from preparing the lessons to understanding how young people would react to and absorb them every single class hour. 

Opening the gift at home, I was delighted to see a cup and packs of tea and coffee, to either keep me awake or make me sleep.  

At the same time, my publisher, CSM Publishing, uploaded this greetings for all teachers, citing a line from my book, Teacher in Me.*

Happy Teacher’s Day to everyone who teaches (mentor, trainer, adviser, facilitator, etc.) May our Lord Jesus, the Teacher in us, continue to guide all teachers in guiding those whom we teach.  

*It's the devotional used by Pastor Popoy when he leads the Friday devotions among the teachers in our church's school, ACTS (Alliance Christian School and Training Center). 

Wide Awake in September

About 20 years ago, the rock band Green Day released “Wake Me Up when September Ends,” a song that I used to hum when the calendar fell on this month. Written by the band's front man, Billie Joe Armstrong, the song is about the death of his father in September.  

I like the song not because September is likewise sad for me. On the contrary, it has always been a hectic and happy month! 

September 2024 was particularly super hectic and super happy that I never had the time to sit down and blog about all that happened almost simultaneously. 

Now that September has ended, I have time to snooze—meaning, I can write all I want about . . . 

•    A radio interview on “Blessed are the Peacemakers” 
•   The launching of my new book, Every Grace for Kids, at the International Book Fair (MIBF) 
•    Combing the MIBF for new book finds 
•    Our church’s 49th anniversary thanksgiving-celebration 
•    An “evangelism” talk before senior citizens of our village 
•    My sister Aie’s visit that allowed me the luxury of a massage, long chats, and feasts to celebrate  her birthday
•    A lunch with former peers to fete friendship 
•    Wrapping up my first-term teaching, saying goodbye to students and university staff   

Plus many more.  

September has ended but left more than enough grace to last me till the next September and the next.