I recently participated in the 51st Convocation of Kappa Delta Pi (an international education honor society) which I am a member of. There were numerous and various workshops and ed talks on topics and subjects which were relevant to educators. The experience was like going to a buffet and looking for “just the right” food to put on your plate.
One of the highlights of the conference was a guest speaker whose talk was called “The Power of One.” He gave info on his background, the struggles he had dealt with in his life, and overcoming challenges and attaining achievements. I remembered thinking about the title of his talk and two things came to mind: 1) Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” and 2) Jesus. The scripture talks about being made stronger in the faith by being surrounded with others who are strong in their faith. As Christians we can see impact that Jesus’ ministry made with only 12 disciples. A ministry which changed the world.
Everyone who attended the convocation either wanted to impart info to those just beginning their careers, or offer additional insight or encouragement to those in the middle of their careers. So like the scripture, those in attendance were either doing the strengthening or being strengthened.
I felt honored to be among the like-minded individuals (both as an attendee and as a presenter) and having been an educator for 22 years was reminded that one must always continue to “fight the good fight” of faith and “press toward the mark.”
It is my hope that the little bit of wisdom that I shared as a presenter will do the work it was supposed to do in assisting future educators on the long and sometimes difficult road of educating children and youth. It is also my hope that I will be able to say the same thing in my Christian faith walk when I am called home to be with my Lord and savior Jesus!
Blessings.