But a man in any station can do his duty…and, in doing it, can earn his own respect, even if his case should be so very unfortunate and so very rare that he can earn no other man’s.”
–Charles Dickens
“He would do his duty up until his last hour in uniform, whether that was days or decades away.”
–Ed Ruggero
Well, this is it, that day has come. It is understood that every day has its own meaning and events. Jesus said, “Don’t worry at all then about tomorrow. Tomorrow can take care of itself! One day’s trouble is enough for one day.” (Matthew 6:34, Phillips) So then, every day has its own challenges.
However, the day has come for two other events. First, the last of the Daily Paines. This happens every summer. I write sporadically in the summer, but now I’m not sure if I’ll continue the Daily Paine in the fall. I will continue to write a morning devotion, though it might not be every morning. Right now I’m not sure what I will call it. I’m thinking of “Echoes From the Campfire”, but it might end up something else. The plan is to keep writing the Saga of Miles Forrest and the Coffee Percs on Saturday.
Secondly, this is my last day working at Cornerstone and my last day teaching. It has been a fond time. There have been some of those “days” mentioned above, but for the most part I have greatly enjoyed my life as a teacher. I enjoyed studying and then giving what I have found to my students. Perhaps the thing I enjoyed the most was the rapport I developed. The thing I will miss the most will be giving students a “bad time” in classroom and hallways.
I have noticed that we are living in dangerous times. The “thief” is among us and is walking to and fro to slash and slice at us. If you do not think so just watch the news. Whatever your view of the President, the current one has faced more slashing and slicing than any I can remember. Where is the common respect? Times are upon us that if you do not have a firm grasp of the Word of God, there may be troubles. Dark days may loom ahead, and no, I’m not speaking that we need to prep for the tribulation. But we need to be prepared for the darkness. As believers we have the light, so there should be no fear.
Many have asked what I plan on doing. I mentioned that the first plan is to move to Coldspring and do some traveling. After that I’m not sure. I have a sequel to “The True and Unbiased Life of Elias Butler” in the works. There is a plan for another devotional, and floating around in my gray matter are a few other stories of Elias plus some with Miles Forrest.
I have kept over the years on my podium the following Scripture from James, “Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly].” (3:1) I have taken this to heart and tried my best to practice it. I am concerned that the bar/standards have been greatly lowered and if so, the fault lies with the teachers and the parents. If teachers allow students to slide, that includes not only academia, but emotionally and spiritually as well, how will they be judged? Do not get caught up the postmodern thoughts of the day. Stay true to the calling that God placed upon you, not man, not an administrator, not a school, but God.
This is especially true for my colleagues. “We define ourselves by our actions, and we do that every single day, in a hundred tiny choices made by thousands of people at every moment. Tell the truth. Work hard. Don’t be discouraged. Help your buddy. Tend your duty. Believe. Obey.” (Ed Ruggero)