Labor Day-The Unofficial End to Summer
September 1, 2014
For many people in the United States, Labor Day is the unofficial end to summer and the last day to do one more picnic, beach run, outdoor activity, and traditionally speaking, wear white clothing, especially shoes. For students it the last chance to do something fun before school starts again. Some have already begun their school year, but ALL students will return tomorrow because Labor Day sounds the knell to return to the hallowed halls of learning.
It has been enjoyable to read on Facebook what many parents have wished their children as they begin school for the very first time, move from elementary to middle school, or move into a double digit grade level. Most have commented how quickly their children have grown up right under their eyes. And many have wished their children sweet sentiments concerning the joy of learning, growing, and becoming more knowledgeable as they go back to school or go to school for the very first time.
Parents are not alone in their prayers and dreams of what school may hold for their children-teachers also have desires for their students. I know this to be true because, as an educator, I desire one all-encompassing attitude for my students and it is that they will remain teachable.
At the beginning of every school year, I am reminded of Solomon, the wisest person, except for Jesus, in history. We read in 2 Chronicles 1:
1 Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for theLORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.
7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”
I’m not sure if God had given me an opportunity to ask Him for anything that I would have chosen wisdom and knowledge. Most likely I would have asked for long life, wealth, possessions, honor, and a home at the beach! But Solomon asked wisely and was granted all of those things in addition to wisdom.
By asking for wisdom and knowledge, Solomon discovered the true treasure of a teachable attitude, an attitude that he didn’t know it all and that many things he needed to learn and know would come from Another.
Be teachable! That’s what I wish for all students on this Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer! Please join me as I explore the characteristics of an unteachable and teachable spirit in the next few blog posts.