It wasn't just any friendly face. It was the face of a friend of mine who passed away a couple years after high school. I had talked to him the night before he passed. We had plans to get together the next day and when that time rolled around and he did not come I called and learned he had passed in a car accident.
It was good to see his face last night. It was good to have a friendly face helping me see some important lessons. But it doesn't have to be a friendly ghost from our past to soften the impact of a lesson. A friendly face can go a long way. So can patience and respect.
We all need "corrected" every once in a while. Many of us are in a position to have to inspire corrections, whether it be at home with a child or at work with a subordinate or coworker. Those corrections are best delivered in a kind way.
Today is National Teacher Appreciation Day. When I think back at all the teachers I've had, probably only half taught me from a classroom. But the best ones taught with a friendly face and a hand in the game.
I'm grateful for all the wonderful teachers I had growing up. I'm grateful for all the "teachers" in my life that came outside the classroom. I'm grateful for last night's lessons. I'm grateful to see a friendly, familiar face after all this time. I'm grateful for all the teachers out there today that reach students through respect and kindness.
Who were your favorite teachers? Were they kind and caring or "tough as nails"?
May today remind us to respect those around us. May we deliver information with a friendly face and may we give thanks for all the "teachers" in our lives. Have a beautiful day!