Post-teaching pleasure!!!

It's heading for 35 years since I was ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament within the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian).  Shortly afterwards, I became a parish minister in Bellshill, and looked forward to many years of preaching the Gospel message within that congregation, and to any other to which the Lord might call me.

As those who have known me for most of those years are aware, this was not to be.  A disagreement with the Kirk over who are the proper subjects for water baptism (I came to the conclusion that, Biblically, only those who were able to make their own profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, should be baptised) led me into the teaching profession as a teacher of Religious (and, late, Moral) Education, and History; and with one break, that was my life right up until I walked out of the classroom - and the school - for the last time, over a year ago.

What I did not expect, at that time, was that I would end up with so many of my former pupils requesting me to accept them as 'friends' on what was then my fairly new Facebook page.  I haven't counted the exact number, but it must be reaching close to 50, and they are all so kind in their comments - some of those who are still pupils even asking me to return! :-)

I mention the fact to demonstrate this wonderful truth that one never knows exactly what the Lord has in store in any given situation.  Most of the former pupils with whom I am in contact want little more than a wee online blether - and I am happy to provide that (it helps to keep me young!!).   However, some have been asking serious questions; one has commented that it is great to be able to talk with me without the 'disturbance' of a class of noisy teenagers; a number, unknown to me, have been following my blog; one has even become a 'follower'!  All of this means that there is the possibility that, for some of them at least, I may continue to be a positive influence on their lives, and for this, I give thanks.  I don't want to 'polish my own halo' too much (!!), but it would seem that being an approachable teacher is paying off!

It's also a helpful reminder that, at some time in the future, I may be so glad that I have had these weeks in L'Isle.  Who, other than the Lord, can say what will result from this experience - in a year's time; or two years; or five years; or whenever?  Meanwhile, I'll enjoy this new type of relationship with so many young people, and pray for them on a regular basis.