Teaching is both a bane and a blessing. While all the lesson planning can be a drudgery, not to mention the mounds of grading (I have 172 seventh graders) that overtake my weekends, I live for those times when students have an “aha” moment, when a student is making progress, or when a student says something encouraging to me. I have had several students tell me over the last 6 weeks that they really like me, that I am their favorite teacher, and this always warms me on the inside. One student baked me a cake for my birthday last Monday, and one girl bought me a wonderful bracelet and earring set (as we share a birthday). Tonight was report card pick up at school and I got to talk with about 20 parents. At the last minute, one student who am very close with, came up with her mom. She, unfortunately, did not pass this 6 weeks and I didn’t feel that her effort was enough to bump her up to a passing grade. She was crying when she came up and sat down with her mom. Right when she sat down, I started to cry. I really love this girl and we have been able to connect since the beginning of school. She trusts me and talks to be about what is going on in her life. Her mom was extremely supportive and we had an incredible talk about how her daughter can do better. The girl continued to cry and I was just so moved because she said, “Mrs. McKay, you are my favorite teacher and I’m so sorry I haven’t been doing my work.” It was powerful. We hugged at the end and I told her that I really care about her and we can get through this. Somehow, as I type, my words don’t really do this night justice, for something special has been etched into my heart from this interaction. I am making a difference in students’ lives and a moment like this helps me realized why I get up each morning.
Suz
Our night at the Hotel Del Coronado with family was a beautiful memory in the making. Thanks to Ma and Pa McKay for springing for the crew!!! The cast of Lamb's Players invited us to experience Christmas dinner with the 'Marshall Family', a well-to-do turn of the century Coronado family. With fantastic food, loving family, and Christmas song we'll all remember the outing for years to come! Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Evangelicalism as we know it may be in its final death throws... In Frequently Avoided Questions Chuck Smith Jr. and Matt Whitlock propose this may not be a bad thing. Our generation no longer searches for pat answers, they're tired of the guilt, tired of black and white, they're tired of the finger pointing and judgment. Conversely, they're yearning for authentic spiritual transformation, thirsting for someone to listen, for someone to journey with. Are postmodern 'new-school' Christians willing to compromise the truth? No, yet they are much more comfortable with not having all the answers; they've come to expect a degree of tension in life. Far from giving us the answers FAQ attempts to teach us how to ask the right questions. I highly recommend this read. (Thanks Steve for passing it on!)