TO THE TEACHERS OF MY CHILDREN Two or three times a week, I trust you with my most prize jewels—my children.  You live up to that trust and return them to me, although not quite the same.  You manage to take them and gradually polish them and make them shine a little more than I think possible.  You are patient and wise enough to see the potential for riches in what I might see as only “rough ore”. I know you spend many hours in preparation to teach my children about Jesus.  I have seen the many objects they bring home to remind them of your object lessons.  You always win when I prematurely suggest discarding certain Bible class memorabilia.  Most of it has a lot of you TLC, not to mention time and creativity behind it. I saw a note one of you wrote to my child, challenging her to be the great Christian land and example you expect her to be.  You even promised to pray for my daughter and reminded her that you are always there if she needs to talk.  Thank you for time, the love, the prayers, the expectations and the support you devote to my children.   Thank you also, for being a constant reflection of Jesus.  They notice and when they do, I notice also. Please resist the temptation to feel unappreciated.  You’re not only appreciated but needed, not just by my children, but by me!  Please don’t underestimate the influence of your teaching role on them or on me as a parent.  My children echo much of what you teach them, probably more than you think they hear.  In fact, they remember some of your stories and illustrations long after they’ve advanced to another class. As a Bible teacher, you give my children both Christ and yourself.  You can give a greater gift and I can’t give you enough thanks. A Very Appreciative Parent SELECTED