Releasing of My Flock

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. —–1 Peter 5:2-3

At the close of this career, I have taught many, many students. It is amazing that over time, they have grown into adults with families of their own. What becomes more amazing is when a student walks in and reminds me of someone only to find out that their parent(s) are former students. Throughout the years I have had great classes, and I have had some challenging classes. There have been lessons taught and many lessons learned. There have been moments that brought me joy and satisfaction, and there have been moments that made me want to explode with expletives and quit. At the end of it all, I can look back and think that I would not change a thing (except the pay:))

The one thing that the educational profession gives is a plethora of memories. I will always remember the look on students’ faces when they understand a concept. I will remember some of the most absurd lines that made me laugh uncontrollably. I will remember the love stories and the broken hearts. I will remember 911 and bomb threats, and I will always remember SWAT swooping down on my school. I will remember the joy of receiving National Boards and sharing that moment with others. I will remember some of the greatest teachers in education, and I will remember fondly those who have gone on to glory. More than anything, I will remember parents who thought that my expectations were unrealistic, only to thank me later because they saw how their children benefitted from those expectations. Oh, how I will remember parents who declared I was a racist only to walk in and find that I looked like them. If there were issues, they were all resolved by not only taking care of students but also taking care of parents. Yes, they need care too!

My greatest memories come from the students who walked across many of my doorsills as a teacher and as an Administrator. These children had no idea that we were entering into a world of the shepherd and the flock. Over the years, I have listened to their stories, dried their tears, calmed their fears, encouraged their potential, hugged out their despair, laughed at their jokes, written their recommendations, reprimanded their behaviors, held their hands in sorrow, applauded their efforts, attempted to share nuggets of wisdom, but most of all loved and accepted them for who and where they were in this season. This is what most educators are: shepherds whose sole purpose is to protect their flock from danger and lead them in the right direction.

The ringing of the bell,
The ticking of the clock,
The rustling of footsteps,
The rounding of the flock.

The gates are rushed open
All are invited to come in
To see where you are going
To see where you have been.

To open the minds
To soften the heart
Great words or wisdom
And faith to impart.

To come out of the darkness
And spring into light
Take a grasp of the knowledge
And set into flight.

Go forth and conquer
Make fishers of men
For now, is the time
Where life does begin.

Don’t keep to yourself
The knowledge you’ve gained
Spread the wealth to others
Relieve them from pain.

This is my charge
To you my dear friends
Many weeks have passed
And we are now near the end.

As you take on the world
And you begin to compete
Keep soft your confidence
But firmly plant your feet.

Remember to reach out to those
Who are lost and in need
Your knowledge provides sustenance
for the mouths, we must feed.

Don’t spit on your sister
Or turn your back on your brother
Do all things in love
And protect one another.

The time has come
The end is near
Remember the rock of your foundation
Was established right here.

So at the end of the day
When all is said and done
Childhood has ended
Adulthood has begun.

Take with you the piece
Of my heart that I can spare
Know I am with you always
Know that I care

The ringing of the bell,
The ticking of the clock,
The rustling of footsteps,
The releasing of MY flock.

Craydawg, Inc. (c) 2023