Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Building Up

I believe it is my honor, privilege, and responsibility to help encourage and develop present and future art educators. In no way do I feel like I have "arrived" as an art educator, and have some "right" to bestow my knowledge.  I do believe that I'm a fellow traveler on a unique path that has been down the road a ways.  Because of this I can share my experiences...both successes & failures.  By doing so, I grow through my personal reflection that is required in order to share with others.  I gain new insight into my own teaching through watching others teach. Those who I'm blessed to work with bring their own strengths and knowledge that I learn a great deal from.  I also see these relationships as a way to have a greater impact in art education.  Building up other art educators allows them to reach their communities in a more powerful way. We take with us those who have invested in us, and they are a part of our investment in others. 

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?  And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?  As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"  Romans 10: 14-15

Our faith is often spoken of as a walk or a journey.  While we "travel" down this path....we encounter those who are building up our faith through sharing their journey with us. They share both their successes and their failures.  They encourage us, challenge us, and call us out on our "stuff" when necessary.  At one point...they too were in a similar place in their journey and someone invested into their life.  It is a cycle of giving that does not come from a place of obligation, but a place of appreciation for those who impacted their and the power of transformation that happened because of it.  As we walk down this path...we too will have the opportunity for building up others. DO IT.  Don't wait till your stronger, more faithful, more grace filled, more merciful,  or more giving.  Share where you are & what you have to share.  Remember the boy with the bread and fish....and what the Lord did with that!!!  We will never "arrive" this side of glory....give what you have while you have the time to give it.  Trust me...you are enough...in Christ...to impact the world around you!