When i was in college one of my professors (now friend) Burt said to me one day, "Mel, you were born to teach."
i did not agree with that assessment. at all. at the time i was convinced that i was born to be a doctor, and was ready to do everything in my power to make that happen.
he was right...i just couldn't see it at the time.
about 8 years ago now, when i was working at a jr. high youth pastor i began to realize that teaching is one of the things that really makes me come alive. I love it when i can explain something to someone and watch the light bulb turn on in their brain. i loved sharing things i was learning about what it meant to be a follower of Jesus with jr. high students.
since then, the body of Christ has affirmed in me a gift of teaching. in various time, ways and places - people keep speaking this truth into my life.
a few weeks ago the principal of the language school told me that i should stay here and teach English.
over and over this gift is confirmed in my life. i don't know what it means. i doubt i'll ever be a teacher in a classroom. i don't know how it will play out as my life goes on. i don't know how this gift will be used in Kolkata. but i can see - very clearly now that i was, in fact born to teach.
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- Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortensen
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- Non-violence, 25 lessons from the history of a dangerous idea - Mark Kurlansky
- Serve God Save the Planet - J Matthew Sleeth, MD
- Is God to Blame? - Gregory Boyd
- Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving From Affluence to Generosity - Ronald J. Sider
- The Good News About Injustice - Gary A. Haugen
3 comments:
It's not often that I get to be prophetic... thanks Mel. Your key assets as a teacher?
1. Compassion for your students
2. Personal passion for learning
3. Warm communication style
4. Heart for God
Perhaps all four are not essential, but they certainly are synergistic.
Keep at it and who knows where God will take you.
I have read that 1s are born teachers.
and it's not just in formal teaching roles/situations... you have "taught" me numerous times over the years just by being my friend and sharing life with me. I too have been that "junior higher" whose eyes and heart lit up, listening to you speak with passion of life and God. So grateful for you and your gifts and passions, dear friend!
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