I don’t read much at all. Though I enjoy reading, my life is so busy I find it difficult to find the time. Over the years I have read very few books with the exception of the bible. Many of my friends can’t understand this because their perception of the bible is that it is a book of rules, of do’s and don’ts, of penalties and judgment (hell, fire and brimstone), and weeping and gnashing of teeth (as one professor recently alluded to in a Wimba session). These things are not what stand out to me. I see hope, redemption, forgiveness, compassion, love, and the fact that though I could never “measure up”, I am an “A”.
Life on the other hand can cause me to lose faith when I lose sight of the right perspective. I refer to not only spiritual faith, but faith in others…like faith in my students! When I consider my teaching career, with all its ups and downs, I can clearly see how I have allowed myself to be boxed in and consequently, have drawn boxes for my students to operate within. It reminds me of an auto commercial that came out several years ago of a young driver being instructed to “stay between the lines”. When the “lines” ran into a roadblock (traffic), the driver turned and went off road…and did just fine! I rationalize drawing boxes for the purpose of “safety”, careful to protect my students and me. Most of it is because of a few minor mistakes made when some “liberties” were taken with video projects. Reflecting on the reading and considering my classes, I see that I have become judgmental and am limiting possibilities for my students. Time to step outside some of the lines I have drawn and open my eyes to a world of possibilities for my students.
Wow, Chuck! Growing up in a Southern Baptist school, I have seen many people get carried away with the "rules" of the Bible, instead of the "I'm never going to measure up, but I still get an A" part of the Bible. It just amazes me how you were able to make it so simple. Not that it was a bad thing by any means, it was just like the Twitter version of the Bible. I also struggle to have adequate faith in the people I encounter in daily life. Some people I think the world of and believe that they can do anything, and I help them to do anything, but I guess I see some people as a lost cause and don't try to help them. I need to stop putting rules on people and just give them another chance. Thanks for sharing, it really put a new perspective on the book for me.
Sunday, June 6, 2010 - 11:07 PM
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