Life is funny as a teacher b/c there are these times where we try and teach some abstract concept to our students and inevitably it turns out that we needed to learn that same lesson and we realize we are not that different from our students. Can you believe that? I am saying that in some areas of my life I am not that different from my middle schoolers...YIKES!! Lord, don't make me go there! Well good thing it isn't really like that or we would seriously be in some trouble.
I just mean as a teacher or even just adult, we should never get to that point where we think we have arrived and learned it all. Let's be honest, we are never going to get to that point, so let's get over ourselves and willingly be learners of whatever is put before us. I feel like I'm a learner of several trades now that include:
-learning what to do with kids who are distracted in class
-learning how to order meat at the meat market
-learning the ins and outs of Dominican culture
-learning myself in a whole new way
-learning what to do when electricity and water goes out
-learning how to keep a structured class while attempting to play group games
-learning there is a difference between regular nails and cement nails and you must figure out what type of material you are nailing into before drilling the wrong type of nail into a wall:)
-learning how to time my laundry just right so that it gets optimal sunshine on the clothesline
-learning how to have parent conferences in a different language
I realized on our camping trip that I still am not totally comfortable in silence all the time. I mean in the states and here in the dr, we are surrounded by noise everywhere we go. If you get in the car, we either talk with someone in the car, listen to music, or talk on the phone. When we get home, we either turn on the tv, computer, music, or start talking with someone there. We are always finding noise to surround us and I just wonder why? I don't think music or fellowshipping with someone is bad, but when we can't go 5 minutes without something said or heard I wonder why? This used to be me, and I am starting to enjoy the silence more and more even though I am in an extrememly noisy environment. Go and enjoy the silence around you today.
You can look through the book of Matthew and see several times where it said "Jesus withdrew from the crowds". Why did he do this? I think he knew alone time, reflection, and rest was good for our soul and wanted to show the disciples how to practice it. This morning in my quiet time I realized I have never really had a season of my life without great community. I mean I grew up in a very people oriented town and church, worked at Pine Cove for 4 summers where I learned what true community was, went to A&M which is like the embodiement of community, and now here at Doulos where we cling to one another for alot. Yet, at the same time I feel the Lord calling me to draw away, even from great community, but knowing it is beneficial and crucial that we set apart time for the Lord and for Him alone.Go and spend time with Him today, it's much needed for your soul.