“Education is not the filling of a pot but the lighting of a fire.” — W.B. Yeats
As my teacher son gears up for the hectic end of the academic term before he can finally rest and relax over the Christmas holiday period, I’m aware of how challenging his role, and that of most teachers, can be.
So it’s good to know that teachers have a designated day where they can be celebrated for their hard work and diligence, the way they impact and influence others. The next one will be on October 5th, 2025, but it’s good to be thankful at any time of the year.
My thoughts have also strayed toward life’s teachers. Several are unexpected or unwelcome sometimes, while others are a joy and delight. The School of Hard Knocks and the University of Life are where we cannot avoid graduating from. However, Tutoring Tower, the Place of Grace and Academy of Blessings are God’s gracious gifts to us.
Through the numerous ways they can come to us in different shapes and sizes, God sends life’s teachers in our direction just when we need them to assist us and teach us His will, wisdom and ways.
My teachers are
my teachers are—
the grass and flowers
the varied times and tides
the mixed seasons of life
the interwovenness of things
the joys that make my heart sing
my teachers are—
the sun, moon and stars
the hard grit and grind
the eternal mind
the steadfastness of trees
the ways of faith and peace
my teachers are—
the near and far
the world I live in
the dark, thick and thin
the light that ever shines
the grace that’s yours and mine
my teachers are—
larger by the hour
as wisdom wears her wings
both brilliant and singed
and great learning takes place
for all the human race
© joylenton
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” — Henry B. Adams
Which teachers, whether from life or an educational establishment, are you thankful for?
Are you able to celebrate life’s teachers that might feel like unwelcome irritations right now?
Answers on a postcard, please… 😉 Or you can simply leave a comment below. I’d love to know your thoughts. Xx 💜❤️
Poetry Joy 
Thank you, Joy, for being one of those beautiful teachers for me, helping me to just relax and let the words flow from my heart. On this day of Thanksgiving here in the US, it’s a gift for me to remember the way that you were such an encouragement to me when I so nervously first started to share my words. And your own words still bring inspiration and uplifting to me every time I read them. May you and your dear husband be blessed today! Hugs & love across the pond ! ❤️
Oh, Bettie, what a lovely thing to say! I’m so glad you faced your fears, trusted God, put on your courage and let your voice be heard and your life story shared on the blog, on social media, and within the pages of a book. It’s been such a wonderful blessing to many to accompany you on your chronic illness journey and walk of faith.
I’m humbly grateful to have had the opportunity and privilege of walking beside you as a sister in Christ and a close friend. You have also inspired me to be braver than I feel and have given me confidence when mine was lacking. Your kindness, compassion, friendship and prayers are treasures from heaven for us. Hugs and love to you, too, dear friend! x ❤️