Older Graduation Post

A day closer to being home...teaching what a great opportunity to have summers free to be with my kiddos.  My heart broke today as my sweet student teachers were getting the room all already for PreK graduation.  I cannot decide who reaps the benefits...teens or preschoolers?  Doesn't really matter, it is just great collaboration and team learning   It's like living in a qualitative study watching all the participants change, love and grow.  Back to breaking heart...one of my single mothers was arrested today.  It's not permanent but still interrupting learning time, here comes the police.   Just a reminder that we live in this world where young people are forced to live adult situations...by their own choices but sometimes not.  Class took a quiet time out; it wasn't even forced.  They just paused.  Then a few seconds later which seemed longer, class resumed.

My day continued to progress as the bell rang after each 90 minute period...it's funny, this way we do education--Preparation to the real world, not really.  But it's okay for the system we need it to be...makes me question mediocrity.  No wonder we celebrate it.  We teach to the middle and care less for those who fall off each end.  We throw parties for those who have perfect attendance, perfect achievement and perfect academics...a theme?  perfection?  Well I wonder what would happen if we celebrated effort, success based on the individual?  I am not sure it would be a celebration in the gym or on the field...because it would be personal and meaningful.  That is what I wanted to scream today...celebrate those who didn't go to ISS for fighting for a whole semester, for not cussing in class, for completing and passing each course they are enrolled...wow!  Sometimes the bar is so high, those that live underneath, cannot even see the awards table.  Isn't that how Jesus celebrated?  Those w/o sin, you go ahead and throw stones.

I am not saying those who achieve well beyond expectations shouldn't be honored but where's the spot for the least of these.  It's like politics, unless you are wealthy you don't get a shot.  I am grassroots.  I love academia and I will cheer with my whole heart for the smallest of achievements.  Everyone needs a cheering section; even if its a voice of one.  Didn't Jesus visit the well at the "wrong" time and visit with the "woman" he wasn't supposed to speak to?  He even asked her to share her water...really?  That seems beneath a savior kind-of status.  

When He impacts my life, my cynicism is not welcome, for if it's there it clouds my vision.  I can't see the poor or broken hearted.  I am only able to think about the world linerally...taught my students this concept-combining a mathematical term  to a world vision.  It really connected to them because most of them learn very differently than the linear teacher that teaches them.  Even my honor student trying to pass his military exam...we talked about % and breaking down problems...drew pictures and he understood.  He understood and he passed!  He leaves this summer for basic...he's a bit afraid but desires to serve.  He's afraid of being shot; please pray for him.  

The least...again in our society of entitlement, we have little grace for those we aren't convinced are in need.  We question motives and reasons masking in the term of "stewardship" for fear that we might get taken advantage of ~ it's funny, Jesus didn't use those methods, he just loved, showed mercy, gave grace and broke bread with the lowest, the neediest, the helpless....I am certain "they" all didn't have pure motives.  Even if we guard against being "used" isn't God the judger of people?  Doesn't God see the hearts of ALL?  My philosophy in teaching...celebration and cheering belong to all.  Some need help getting their stuff together...w/o the help they would never reach potential, much less full potential.  You can't always pull yourself up, by the bootstraps, like I've always heard.  Even at the pool, Jesus didn't fuss and belittle the man who blamed everyone for passing him by...Jesus just looked deeply into the man's eyes, seeing what only Christ can see, and asked "do you want to be made well?"  Get up.  

Pray for my teenage kiddos...D who graduates and lives with her dad, a dad who is an alcoholic and throws her out/in often; for S graduate, has it all but lacks everything.  H who needs hope.  B who needs hope and tender love.  L who needs understanding and hope.  For others who can't see beyond what the adults in their lives scream at them.  They thrive in my class; reaching their own achievements...I pray that each year that potential will increase.

Much love

Wendy