As I think about the things that I am thankful for, of course, my family comes to mind first. They are the foundation of my life and why I do the things that I do, but besides their very powerful influence and love, it is the students that I have taught over the years that have defined my life. I have always believed that I was called to teach - that this is where I am suppose to be. It's as if God whispered in my ear and let me know that my life's work was to be in the classroom. I have also always believed that the children and families that come into my classroom come by Divine appointment. I was meant to teach that child and engage with that family at that time. No mistakes. However, in my youthful arrogance, I once thought that children came to me because I had something to offer them. As I have gotten older and have gained a degree of humility I have come to realize that it is not what I have to offer them but what they have to teach me. That is why they come... And one of the things they have taught me is thankfulness. I am so thankful to be able to spend my life in the company of children who laugh... and cry, who love with abandon and who say just exactly what is on their little minds. I laughed out loud last week when I asked the children to use our vocabulary word "admire" in a sentence and Isaac said, "I admire you Mrs. Timmons." I was so touched that I almost got choked up and so I asked him why. He thought for just a second and said, "Because you're old!" Ya gotta love work that includes that kind of honesty!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thankfulness
As I think about the things that I am thankful for, of course, my family comes to mind first. They are the foundation of my life and why I do the things that I do, but besides their very powerful influence and love, it is the students that I have taught over the years that have defined my life. I have always believed that I was called to teach - that this is where I am suppose to be. It's as if God whispered in my ear and let me know that my life's work was to be in the classroom. I have also always believed that the children and families that come into my classroom come by Divine appointment. I was meant to teach that child and engage with that family at that time. No mistakes. However, in my youthful arrogance, I once thought that children came to me because I had something to offer them. As I have gotten older and have gained a degree of humility I have come to realize that it is not what I have to offer them but what they have to teach me. That is why they come... And one of the things they have taught me is thankfulness. I am so thankful to be able to spend my life in the company of children who laugh... and cry, who love with abandon and who say just exactly what is on their little minds. I laughed out loud last week when I asked the children to use our vocabulary word "admire" in a sentence and Isaac said, "I admire you Mrs. Timmons." I was so touched that I almost got choked up and so I asked him why. He thought for just a second and said, "Because you're old!" Ya gotta love work that includes that kind of honesty!
I also share your belief that certain children are purposely put in our doorways for us to learn from. This year i have the pleasure to work with a new little girl with MD. Her family embraces every minute of life and have raised her to believe that her muscular difficulties are no different than other children's difficulties with reading, or braces on their teeth. They see opportunities not problems! The children have embraced her, it's the adults who struggle with this concept in our building!! I am thankful to God for putting her in my teaching pathway this year, even though i lost half my classroom to a handicap bathroom for her!
ReplyDeleteI had to LOL at that! Kids are so funny. If only we could write down every little thing that makes us laugh. I'm glad you got this one.
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