Another school year has passed. Prayerfully, you can look back and see how God has used you to increase your students' knowledge of facts and figures, better their understanding of the times, and most importantly, draw them closer to Christ. And just as we say that graduation, whether from kindergarten or high school, is a commencement of what is to come, so it is for you. For some, summer vacation is a welcomed time of rest and relaxation. For others, it's simply a time to anticipate the day you get to see your students' faces again in September. Whatever the case may be, here are some helpful hints that may help you stay sharp over the summer months:

Stay Involved

Stay Connected
Music, movies, and video games seem to have permeated Christian society in ways many deem spiritually unhealthy. But healthy or not, it's a fact. Christians are "to prove that which is acceptable" (Ephesians 5:10). In order to help our students do this, you may need to get to know their side a little bit. There are many sources that look at entertainment from a Christian perspective. These sources seek to report current events and trends from a perspective of being "in the world, but not of the world." They also provide an excellent way to learn about contemporary culture enough to relate with students. Look at it as a missionary going into a foreign land. In preparation, a missionary will attempt to learn the local culture, in order to most effectively present the Gospel. Even Jesus used common elements of His day, such as sheep and parables, to express His principles. Don't be afraid to learn, but be unstained from the world. Hopefully in the end, you will win over some of your students to less of the world and more of Christ by connecting with them on a more personal level.

Stay the Course
Being a Christian school teacher can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be a very trying one! For those of you who are discouraged and tired, do not be "weary in well doing" (Galatians 6:9a). The world needs you more than ever. This summer, be strengthened daily through Bible reading and prayer. Allow the Lord to refresh and revitalize the vision you have for young people. And remember, don't look back. Only look forward with anticipation to the next class of faces awaiting your instruction and nurturing. "For in due season, you will reap if you faint not" (vs. 9b).

Whether you are looking forward to summer or not, (and I assume most of you are), don't forget to take time to smell the roses literally. God's creation is so beautiful, but often we are too busy to notice. Maybe the best way to prepare for next year is to take off the blinders of our everyday lives and look around us. You may be surprised at what you see.