As a child growing up, I loved Superheroes! Spider-Man was my all-time favorite. He climbed walls, shot webbing, was extraordinarily strong, and had a “Spidey-Sense” that let him know when some trouble was nearby. How cool is that, right?
Then there was Superman, too. He was “faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, could leap tall buildings at a single bound – “. On top of all that, he could see through walls, freeze things with his breath, melt them with his heat vision, and fly. Not to mention he was an all-around nice guy.
What about Batman? He had gadgets on his utility belt that would make a spy jealous and this AMAZING car with a rocket engine! Before computers were a thing, Batman was using one to help fight crime. He even had a motorcycle, boat, and helicopter. No criminal could outsmart or outmaneuver the “Caped Crusader”.
Now, there is nothing wrong admiring superheroes as a kid. Even in my adult years I’m still a fan! But as an adult looking back, I now know the real heroes in my life were not people with secret identities, special powers, or fancy gadgets. Among the real heroes in my life were the men and women who taught me in school.
In Elementary School people like Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Rice, Mrs. Biggers, Mrs. Thompson, and Mr. Redmond taught me the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. When I got to Jr. High there were people like Mrs. Gonzales, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Freeman, Mr. Kell, and Mr. Evans who made me write papers, learn about history, do science experiments, and several other things I didn’t really want to do. Through my High School years there were numerous teachers who poured into my life. One of the most impactful was Mr. Owens who taught chemistry and encouraged me to become a pharmacist. I didn’t follow that path, but I’m glad he thought I could have!
Teachers are among the real heroes in my life to this day because I now understand they were preparing me to have the best possible chance of success in whatever vocation I would later choose. Yes, I had to do my part in the educational process, but it was teachers who helped inspire me along the way.
The greater Princeton area is blessed to have many dedicated men and women who have chosen to be teachers. They work long hours investing in our most appreciable asset: our children. Most of the educators I know go into that field because they feel a calling to it. They are not in it for the money. (By the way, I think they deserve better pay!) They are in it to make a difference.
As a church family we have reached out to 8 schools in our area along with the Central Office and Bus Garage to encourage those who work there. Every person employed in those locations has been given a Homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie courtesy of the First Church of God on Mahood Avenue. This was a small way for us to encourage them and say thank you for the great work they are doing. These teachers and other school staff have an awesome opportunity to impact their students in life-changing ways. They are the real heroes. Their students will realize that one day.
The 2023-2024 school year is about 1 ½ months old now and according to the local principals I spoke with, they are off to a good start. Please join me in praying that continues.
Bro. Ray
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