Mothers and Teachers and Rosebushes

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

—Psalm 25:4-5 

“Tell me the best part and the worst part of your day,” I introduced the favorite mealtime ritual that invited my children to share.  

One by one they described the highs and lows of their day, which opened the door to meaningful conversation and opportunities to encourage and praise and counsel. 

Years have passed since that time, and I have to admit I miss those days. I miss mothering—and I miss those faces that circled my table. 

Last night I went to dinner with a friend and engaged him in the high-low conversation. I listened as he described his “low” part of the day that occurred at work. In the end the “low” became a “high” and I concurred that he did the right thing. Then the tables were turned (no pun intended…well, maybe), and it was my turn to share. 

As with my friend, my “low” part also occurred at work, but I couldn’t say that my “low” ended in a “high.” As a teacher, I strive to make a difference in the lives of my students. And I know I echo the sentiments of most teachers, if not all. That’s the reason I switched careers ten years ago, leaving the better-paying accounting profession to become a teacher. But yesterday I had doubts if what I hoped truly was coming to fruition. My day—my week—ended with a parent-student-teacher conference that concluded, in my opinion, on a sour note. What a way to punctuate Teacher Appreciation Week. A week with no “thank you” gifts from students, not even heartfelt words of gratitude. 

But my high part of the day? Well, that was easy. That was when I received a special delivery during my fifth period class. A miniature rosebush with a note attached, "Let this gift be my way of saying thank you for planting seeds of wisdom in my heart, helping me grow, watching me blossom, and showing me what it means to be an amazing mother. Happy Mother’s Day! Love, Rebekah." 

My throat tightened and my eyes watered when I read my daughter’s message and I felt special. But hours later when I left that conference my eyes watered for another reason. And I felt unappreciated. And that is what remained in the forefront of my mind all night long. Am I making a difference? Am I an effective teacher?

Until this morning. 

This day before Mother’s Day. This day when my thoughts turned to my own mother and all the ways she has influenced me. How can I begin to number them? How can I truly express the gratitude which is in my heart? 

I re-read my daughter’s sentiments, and then I recognized that I have been her teacher and I am making a difference.  Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that Mother’s Day falls at the conclusion of Teacher Appreciation Week, for that, in my opinion, is the best way to punctuate the week. Mothers are teachers.

Then I realized that just as it is difficult for me to put into words all that is in my heart concerning my own mother—my  teacher, so might it be with my students. That being the case, I know I must try. 

So here goes.  

Thank you, Mom, for teaching me to follow my dreams and making a way for me to do so, sacrificing till your hands bled. Thank you for planting those seeds of wisdom, like “Waste not, want not” and “Early to bed, early to rise.” Thank you for instilling a disciplined life—homework before tv, chores before play. All those values have taken root. And although there have been some seasons of drought and blight in my life when you probably wondered whether you had made a difference, let me assure you that you did. Please forgive me for all the ways I grieved your heart and thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for all the ways you nurtured and cared for me and for your unending prayers that have been like water to a rosebush. I appreciate you! And I hope you can delight in watching me blossom. I love you, Mom! 

Dear God, I know that life is full of highs and lows and roses and thorns, but I know You are there to guide me through it. And I know You use these ups and downs to teach me and show me Your ways. Thank You for planting me where You want me—in my job and in my family. And thank You for using daughters and mothers to teach and impart. Thank You for reminding me of truth. My hope is in You all day long—through the best part and the worst part of every day. Lord, may I always bloom for You. Amen.