Teaching with Eyes Wide Open

On my second week of teacher’s meetings at my new school, I went to the bathroom in the high school girl’s restroom.  There was quite a bit of “stall art” in the bathroom stall I chose.  One statement caught my attention like a slap in the face, “I hate this place SOOO much!”   It stopped me short.  My first feeling was confusion.  I didn’t connect with this statement because I was a student for a short time at this school and had a really positive experience.  I had the normal teenage angst mixed in with a need for affirmation and a good dose of homesickness…but, I felt like it was a great place with lots of good people.  I also have really enjoyed my journey to be a part of this community now.  I see people who really have a heart for students and the ministry that God has called them to.  I know that deep in their hearts they care—and they love the Lord.

So, although I initially felt confusion, I secondly felt curiosity.   What had made that precious image-bearer student write those words?  What had torn her heart and given her hatred for this place?  What had she experienced?   I am thankful I read those words because it reminded me of several things:

1) No place is perfect: as much as this place meets the needs of so many and is a welcoming place, I’ve also seen some students not treating each other very well. I’ve tried to speak into that as I can, and I know as a teacher and adult that I need to keep my eyes and ears open.  We are the walking wounded and we hurt each other–sometimes unintentionally and sometimes intentionally.   I’ve already seen some of the tears and heard of some of the hurts.   I also have read the ugly and difficult story of a dear friend who experienced great pain in her time here.  This is not the only place this happens.  Face it, we live in a flawed and sinful world.   I even had a former student across the ocean share about how she has been treated recently.  It is happening everywhere and it is heart-breaking.  We need to be in the business of looking for the good in others and affirming them always.   We need to need to guard our tongues, our hearts and our minds.  I want to model that and bring life and truth to my students.

2) Teachers are not perfect: I am certain that those who I work with have a heart for ministry and for following God.  We make mistakes though–we are human.  My own kids have shared some statements they have heard which weren’t very affirming.  I’m not pointing any fingers though…this brings to my mind plenty of times I didn’t say all I should or times I have said too much.  It also brought to mind the mistakes I made as a young dorm mother at yet another place—when I was too legalistic and self-absorbed to quite “get” what some of my girls were struggling with.  Some I have been able to apologize to, but some I have not.  It breaks my heart to pieces to know that I am probably to blame for them wanting nothing to do with God.  I can only beg God to forgive me, ask Him to draw them to Himself IN SPITE of me, and concentrate on truly loving those I have the honor to teach and interact with now.   I know I won’t always get it “right” but I definitely have the desire in my heart to do so.

I feel so strongly that we need to live our lives with our eyes and hearts open.  We need to not be calloused, too busy or too unconcerned.   This doesn’t only apply to teachers, but I think it is especially important for those who teach.   I do believe that we do make a difference—either positively or negatively—and we need to be aware of the power we have to impact hearts and minds.  I want my students to know that I care about what they learn but mostly care about WHO THEY ARE.  I want them to know they are how valuable and amazing they are.   I want them to learn how powerful their words and actions are to others and how they can make a positive difference in the world as they focus on gratitude, compassion and affirmation.  For my fellow teachers, I will be praying for you as you take on this incredibly challenging job and I ask that you do the same for me.