"Each time we teach, we embrace on a new adventure full of risk and uncertainty that causes us to stretch our talents and abilities."
I was so afraid the first day when I started teaching at OLGA. It was frighted to see too many students and teachers that have been many years working there. I remembered a comment that I heard from one of my students' mother, "She looks so young to teach". I thought for a moment that she was right. I felt that I did not have enough experience and what it takes to be in that school". However, the Holy Spirit and to know that I was not perfect but I will do my best and God will do the rest. I have experienced many moments when I think I can not do it since I started in third grade, then sixth grade, eight grade go back to sixth grade... How have I done? God's grace (100% sure) but I really have found support among the faculty. They have been more time in this journey and they have helped me a lot. I open to be teach too.
I have discovered more abilities that I think I did not have it during these years. I have never thought that I could teach music, and my sixth graders learned to play the recorder very nice.
I also have discovered my vulnerabilities.
My kids have letting me know those. I remember when a girl let me a note on the top of my desk telling me what she didn't like about something that I did. I was so moved by this note.
There is a profound joy in teaching because I shared Jesus' mission as WHO I AM.
Sister Eloisa, I hear you about calling on the Holy Spirit! I do that all the time. I even ask the Holy Spirit to help me come up with a curriculum plan for my students. God is so full of surprises!! I never imagined I would be a teacher, especially a religious teacher. And, look at me now! I only want to teach religion. God has a sense of humor. I believe for his faithful ones that his plans are perfect (for us), and that he will not give us anything that we could not do (and of course only with his help, his grace, his strength and guidance).
ReplyDeleteBlessed be God!
ReplyDeleteDear Elo,
We are like the prophets of the Old Testament in one of another way they were afraid of going among the strong, the elite, the whole people of Israel to tell them that they have a message from God! In a way we are also prophets..."you are too young to teach" it sounds like Samuel's words...I'm just a kid, what should I say? God said I will be with you!!!!!!!!!!! It is hard to communicate what we really want...and sometimes we feel more than stutterers...doesn't it sounds like Moses' story. God calls them then and God calls us now to do as you said, "our part" and God will "do the rest". There is no need to be afraid!
You also mentioned you never thought of being capable of teaching music...and you did, and you did it very well...your students learned!!! be sure that there is nothing imposible for us to teach if we are willing to trust in God, do our part and letting him do the rest. So don't say you will never be able to teach math...jajaja...remember all things are possible with God!
God bless!
Dear Sister Eloisa,
ReplyDeleteI spent the first day of teaching throwing up in the bathroom during recess:) It was so intimidating and full of immense responsibility. I kept thinking, "How could they leave me alone with all these kids?" And I too looked young for my age and had a parent, who thought I was a student, ask me why I wasn't in uniform. Those first years were real character building years and provided many opportunities to prove our love for our vocation. We can smile now as we look back, and I shake my head, because too often I forgot that I was never alone...God was beside me at all times.