DOES IT MATTER?

Is what I do in the classroom important? To whom is it important and why? How does a teacher gauge his/her impact on his/her students? By a glee from them as the last bell rings? Or is it by the sad look at you as they leave or say good bye or the hug spontaneously given you by the student that gave you ulcers through out the year and he says, "thank you." Or is it at graduation as you see their joy and they say "hi" to you as they remember your class three years ago. Or is seeing that shy special young man now confident in his graduation garb. All I can say is that I am blessed to have seen these kids grow and if a small measure of our interactions has touched them - I have my reward. Thank you Lord for all my students.