Allen Reding 
A single gesture can outlast the moment it’s given. The simplest kindness—a steady hand, a warm greeting, a bit of laughter shared—can echo long after, reshaping how someone carries their burdens. Small acts rarely make headlines, yet they often do the quiet, unseen work of lifting spirits and reminding us we’re never truly alone.
Looking back at a photo of Kyle Field during the pandemic, I was reminded of how often ordinary people are called to extraordinary service. Teachers masked up, doctors worked endless shifts, and countless quiet acts of love carried us through uncertain days. Servanthood rarely looks heroic—it’s usually disguised as persistence, sacrifice, or care. I see it most clearly in Becky, whose tireless devotion in both small and large ways embodies what Jesus modeled when He washed His disciples’ feet. Gratitude isn’t only about receiving blessings—it’s about honoring the love and service that make them possible.
The last day of school is loud with relief—teachers and students alike ready to bolt for the door. But for me, that walk to the car is never simple. Each year, I feel the pull of goodbye, knowing many students I’ve poured into will disappear from my life. What do you say in a yearbook line when what you really want is to hand them a compass? Over time, I’ve realized the best lesson isn’t clever advice—it’s reminding them that joy, courage, and kindness outlast possessions. That’s the message I’d stamp in every heart, if I could.
As I near the end of my 27th year in teaching, I have observed a recurring trend in the past several years of my career: Every April for the past 7 or 8 years, I have experienced an inner tug urging me to explore career opportunities beyond the realm of teaching. I’ve discovered that many teachers across the state share these sentiments. Initially, I could easily brush off these thoughts after a week or two of summer break, but ever since the pandemic, it has become increasingly challenging to ignore them. Educators often notice a cyclical pattern throughout the academic … Read more