If a teacher pops a test I know I'm in a mess
After a four hour teaching methods class, a thesis advising appointment and a trip to the grocery store, I took a break. For a half an hour I did nothing but sit on the couch and stare at my elevated feet. Then I finished Phillip Yancey's The Jesus I Never Knew, which is an excellent read for those of you who hunger for knowledge but are too lazy (or don't have enough time) to read Lewis or Bonhoeffer.
Rebecca and I decided that an afternoon viewing of "Saved by the Bell" was in order, so we settled on Season 1. The name of the episode escapes me. Screech had wooed Kelly to his side by tutoring her in Science. She miraculously raised her 'F' to an 'A' after a few sessions.
I only wish it were that easy. I've been thinking a lot about education. Screech taught Kelly nuclear fusion by hot gluing barbie dolls together. How will I alter my teaching methods to meet the needs of my students, be they rich or poor, white or black? Will I always make the extra effort to establish that connection? I fear that because of fatigue I will pass up ample opportunities to show them that the world is amazing and horrible all at the same time.
I have begun to analyze my walk with Christ in much the same way. What fellow traveller did I meet today and fail to love? Was it that bicyclist I shot a dirty look? Was it that girl I didn't have time to make conversation with in the computer lab? I find these shortcomings and many more outweighing the efforts I do make to show Christ's love to others.
But then I am reminded by Yancey that we are all 'waiting'. Waiting to be reuinted with the Lord, waiting to shed all our shortcomings, waiting to reach the other shore.