My place of employment has a special day set up to honor teachers. Teachers can fill out a ballot, in the store, for a chance to win a Teacher’s Basket. It is usually on a Saturday in the month of August. I have a special respect and heart for teachers, being that I was a teacher for over 25 years.
This year I felt lead to take the money I had saved for the month of August and purchase some items for the teacher’s basket. I asked my sister to come with me to Walmart and the Dollar Tree to help me find some items for the basket. She picked out fall decorations, while I picked out things I knew a teacher would need, such as cough drops, tea bags, hand sanitizer and thank you cards. We had a blast! We got some great deals and had a grand time thinking about the reaction of the teacher winning the basket.
My sister wrapped up the basket with a cellophane bag and ribbon. It looked beautiful! I took the bag to work and then on the appointed day chose the winner. I was so happy when I saw the teacher who won come into the store. I remember talking to her about teaching. I knew she would be able to use all the items in the basket.
The look on the teacher’s face, the fun time shopping with my sister, and remembering what it was like being a teacher was such a pleasant experience. I’m truly thankful at this time in my life that I am not teaching. I don’t think I have the energy for it, although most of my coworkers would disagree with that fact. I do know that God has placed me in this store for a reason, and it’s not only for the necessary money to live. There truly is a ministry here, helping others. And when it comes to helping teachers, that is a special blessing.
