I created this blog about a month ago with great intentions to get it started right away. Then, of course, life happened and the time I wanted to dedicate had somehow disappeared. However, I do not wish to apologize for my slow start. Rather, I am excited to be beginning today.
I should start by informing those of you reading this that I am a teacher. I spend most of my time teaching five and six year olds how to read, think conceptually, and apply the lessons they are learing in the classroom to their lives outside of school. Their minds are fresh and impressionable. I take great satisfaction in my job and I enjoy the amazing opportunity that I have to be such a major influence to my students at this time in their lives. One thing I am ashamed to admit is that I never anticipated what an enormous impact my students and experiences would have on me in the process also.
It has truly been a blessing to have this chance in my life. And, I am grateful to be able to look back at different experiences with the perspective that enables me to truly see all the many lessons I have been given through my job.
Here is one that I have spent a great deal of time thinking about lately (and I am aware that many people may be far ahead of me in this process)...
Our classroom (and school) only has three rules:
1. I am here to learn.
For example, if a student has come to school prepared to learn then he has brought his homework and dressed in uniform. He comes into the classroom with a smile and begins to work without interruptions or procrastination. Throughout the day he participates, asks questions, and enjoys learning.
2. I respect myself and my rights.
In short, when a student is respecting herself and her rights she doesn't sell herself short by looking for distractions, destroying her property, or sitting idly. Rather, she helps herself to reach her full potential by staying focused and productive.
3. I respect others and their rights.
To summarize, students who respect others and their rights care enough to not do things that would hinder their classmates opportunity to learn. They do not try to distract their friends. Instead, they give them a quiet reminder to stay on task. They cheer their classmates on instead of teasing them for making a mistake. They keep their hands to themselves and look out for each other.
Everything we expect our students to do (or not to do) falls under one of those three categories. Think of the many situations that one might encounter in a classroom. For instance, Johnny won't follow along with the class while working on a math paper. Which rules did Johnny forget to follow? Maddy keeps shouting out the answers when other students are called on. Which rule has she broken? Or, there's also Seth. He's always the first to follow a direction, is kind to every student in the class, and tries his hardest everyday. What does that tell you about Seth?
Simple stuff right? I will admit it, I love the students who understand this already. It makes my job a lot easier. But, when students forget to follow the rules I love helping them to recognize how this is all related. I can also admit that it gets frustrating having to talk with some students over and over again about the same things. Does anyone see where I am going with this yet?
One day it hit me! Caught up in a spiritual high, I clued into something. We have rules on earth given to us by the Lord. They are even more simple and all-encompassing:
1. I am here to become like God.
2. I love God and cherish my opportunity to return and live with Him.
3. I love others and recognize their potential to return and live with God.
Now, you may be able to think of a better way to say those three thoughts, but the wording is not as important to me as the idea.
If I am here to become like God, what would that look like?
Do I spend time learning who He was/is? Do I prepare myself by studying His words and the words of His followers? Do I communicate with Him regularly? Am I familiar with His spirit? Do I display His attributes? Am I the same in any circumstance?
What does it look like to love God and keep myself worthy to return and live with Him?
Do I follow His commandments? Am I making and keeping necessary covenants? Do I avoid distractions that would lead me away from my goal? Do I treat myself with the same kindness that I recieve from the Lord and expect from others?
How can I love others and help them recognize their potential to become like God?
Do I distract others from their goals? Am I kind and friendly? Do I share my talents and my testimony? Do I love them passed their imperfections? etc.
Are you still with me? I hope so! I am also starting to realize that I could even take my analogy one step further.
In this situation, if we are the students, then that makes the Lord our teacher. He has set up these rules to help us have a successful experience here on earth. He is willing to teach us how to become like Him and reach our full potential. It is frustrating for Him when we do not give ourselves the opportunities to do so or when we distract/ignore/mock the potential of others. He wants us all to succeed. And, the Lord has set up a plan to enable us to succeed in spite of our short comings.
I feel it important to note that just like a student is in jeopardy of expulsion for certain acts, we are in danger of being cut off from the presence of the Lord. However, Heavenly Father is able to provide us with something that a teacher cannot provide her students, the atonemnent. This gift is the greatest gift we could ever hope for. Because of the atonement of Jesus Christ, any transgression we commit has already been taken care of. The Lord can make anyone whole again. All we have to do is ask for Him to and let Him do it. With each fresh start our commitment to live His standards is renewed and hopefully our resolve grows ever stronger. Eventually, our ability to love and become like God increases. Then, just as a student progresses to the next grade, we may progress too! Pretty amazing right?
So, there you have it. Like I stated at the beginning, I realize that to some of you this may be a no-brainer. However, even if this post is only of benefit to me, I still felt it was something I should share.
I'm sure I could continue on but I will just reserve my right to continue another time. The end!
I would love additional thoughts or to clarify anything that may be vague or, dare I say, incorrect.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this post please let me know!!
Thanks for reading,
Treyele
