Teaching is hard. Not that I did not know this already, but it is difficult in different ways than I anticipated. Much of the difficulty is from the barrier I face between me and the students. Discipline problems I expect, and feel capable of dealing with. And also disabilities and academic hindrances, I expect and welcome them. But there is a bigger gap, one more difficult to explain.
There is such a lack of care in young people. Of course, the younger they are the less apparant this is, which I think is why the Bible describes strong faith as faith like a child. However, in our society we can define them as a "child" for a much,
much shorter period of time than ever was intended, or ever has been. If I were to describe this lack of care to you, I would have to show you the kids I'm thinking of. Many do the "right thing." Many more even desire to do the right thing, which I commend. But if you ask them to articulate, why John? Why should you continue to show Jose kindness? They cannot articulate this. There is an absence of true morality; here, we find depravity enveloped deep within conditioned behavior.
At school, we have color charts that describe very simply the levels of student behavior, very poor to excellent. The top level is green and reads: "Responsible. Because I want to be."
Wonderful! I can agree that the green behavior statement is a good goal. But is that the only reason? Is that the motivation? Is that really all we can offer them now? Do it because I say so?
I had a discussion with another teacher this week, the librarian. She is very sweet, so welcoming to me, and she has been a wonderful friend as I entered into teaching and my elementary school. We tend to have conversations about various things throughout the day, through which I found out that she was raised in a strong Catholic background and from what I can tell, is no longer practicing. She is also a mom, with two beautiful little girls. Her stories about them make me laugh, her oldest daughter reminds me of myself at her age. She came into my classroom yesterday while we were hiding out (Trying not to get tricked into babysitting kids at the yo-yo show in the gym. Lame.) and somehow or another we got onto the topic of religion. She is of the opinion that everyone should be free to express there religion in there own way, and evangelism is not really important. I don't believe she puts her faith in Jesus, or is saved, but I know she has knowledge of Him. We were also talking about a Christmas concert I got a letter about, held in Dallas for elementary choirs in the area. It's near Prestonwood Baptist, in a fancy shopping center. I didn't intend on taking the kids to it, but had mentioned the invite to her. She said she hated that area because most restaurants and stores play Christian music--too pushy. I told her I liked it but I could understand why she would not. Having brought up the topic of religion, we began talking about how religion can seem forced in our society. Which I totally understand, even from a non-Christian perspective; if not especially so. I expressed how important my faith is to me, and that it's not just ritual and tradition.
I shared with her how it's often difficult for me to express to the kids why kindness and gentleness is so important to me while their in my classroom. Often I want to explain to them, kids! This is the fruit of the Spirit! When we are saved, we try to produce this fruit in our life, not only because God wants us to, but because of how much we love God. God loves righteousness. But of course, I can't say these things. How can I expect my students to understand WHY kindness? WHY gentleness and patience? WHY self-control? They don't know why. And unfortunately I can't tell them.
I think she pondered this for a moment, confused almost. "I just tell my girls to do the right thing. Because it's the right thing to do!" She smiled. "They seem to be okay with that answer."
I wonder how long that answer will serve them? I know for some of my students, they have horrible home lives and no concern for consequences at school. Why should they be kind? Why should they care? What they need to produce are good grades, and be ready for life. This is what they think. This is what they are told. This is where they are stuck.
I love my job so much! What a wonderful opportunity the LORD has given me. Please pray for these students, and me as I work with so many lost coworkers. Share the gospel.
