November 4, 2007

  • Boarding

    I can't seem to get over the fact that I'm in Virginia.  You'd think that after about three months, one's whereabouts would become somewhat more engrained...  but every once in a while as I drive on the interstate and glance at the passing scenery, I am startled by the hills. 

    I also imagine myself seeing a bunch of redcoats hiding in the shrubs and behind the trees. 

    I've been reading a book on Abraham Lincoln which obviously overlaps the Civil War, and it's been making me think about the battles that took place here.  And granted, the redcoats were not a part of the Civil War, but sometimes my imagination doesn't consult with my logic.  I'm ok with that.  I don't think imaginations ought to be too accurate, anyway.  Redcoats sounds a lot better than confederates to me.   

    This school is also a new experience for me.  I am intently observing and trying to understand how boarding school life would feel like.  I've never had to go to a non-public school, let alone a boarding school.  I try to wonder how it would feel like to have (what I can relate to) Campmeeting for a whole year through.  But most of all, I am learning just as much as I am teaching, and growing to love my students more and more. 

    Some part of me still refuses to believe that my students are as appreciative as they say they are; part of me doesn't believe the things they say merely because they are students, because they're young, or because I just don't want to.  Perhaps this is because I'm afraid to see what kind of impact I am actually capable of making, and the follow-through that is required from that realization.  Or perhaps I am just a skeptic and a critic who is especially hard on herself. 

    I rejoice when my students learn something new from me.  And the funny thing is, now they have learned to rejoice with me.  (Sigh.  I love this job.) 

    But these kids are great.  And just when I think I'm failing, there comes encouragement with such forcefulness from them that I can't help but see that it pushes me forward. 

    I realize with even more surety that these students are saving me just as much as I am desiring to save them.  I am grateful for them in this respect. 

    I am reminded by the words in 1 Timothy 4:16: "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."  And so it is in a strange loop...  these that hear me in turn drive me to turn to God and become more and more dependant on Him...  and I see how much more I need to grow. 

    Speaking of which, I need to sleep so I can start my New Secret Project tomorrow and be rested for school.  I am happy for Daylight Savings.  Perhaps my body will still believe I am getting an hour more rest. 

     

     

     

Comments (3)

  • Its cool how God's timing is always "just in time".  when you think you are finished He comes along and gives you that encouragement and energy you need to continue.    

  • I think the dubiosity of teachers that their students are as genuinely appreciative of their learnings as they say they are must be something that parents experience all the time.  Only our Heavenly Teacher/Parent knows the sincerity of our hearts.  And meanwhile, even when He knows we're insincere or lack the follow-through, He loves us abundantly, unreservedly.  A love to model, a love unmatched.

  • wow, I haven't been here in a while! I'm encouraged to hear how God is using you. Maybe He could use me too?

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