The Good Student

First, I want to say I'm sorry for being on a sabbatical for so long.  Maybe you'll understand after this post. 

I cant help but look at all the great teaching, analogies, parables, poetry, etc. that takes place in God's word.  The teachers teaching, hoping the students will learn and grow as much as possible in order to be all that God wants them to be.  But on the other extreme, I'm looking at the students:  Did they listen? Did they apply the knowledge? Did they learn from their mistakes? Did they ask questions...and then ask some more? Were they teachable?  Did they give their best?  All of these are valid questions for each of us.

This must of have been important to our Lord as he used this example in one of his teaching moments, "well done, my good and faithful servant (student).  You have been faithful in handling this small amount,  so now I will give you many more responsibilities." Matt 25:21

If God was going to write each of us in the greatest history book of all times, what would we look like?  Would we be considered a good student or something different?  A "good" student doesn't mean perfection, but I can give you a list giving you a better idea (this is from my perspective of 17 years of teaching). 

1. pays attention
2. gives their best effort (and I don't compare efforts....I know what each individuals best looks like)
3. ask questions
4. answer questions (not afraid to make mistakes)
5. take responsibility (for actions and work ethic)
6. help others
7. learn from their mistakes
8. show steady growth (academically, socially, emotionally, mentally)
9. get along with others (can work in groups)
10. respectful to teacher (or any authority) and peers
11. lead by example (make good choices....stay away from drama)
12. character qualities (honest, compassionate, kind, hard working etc.)

This past year, and especially the closing of the school year, I've had more life lessons than I'd care to remember (or repeat).  But in all of it, I was trying to be a good student and learn from it.  Was it difficult? extremely. Was it emotionally, physically, and spiritually draining? absolutely. This explains the time away from my blog....my time to connect to my readers.  I needed to have some serious reflection, meditation, and learning take place in my heart or else ALL of it was in vain and we all know that if we don't "get it" the Lord will make sure He finds other avenues for us to "get it". 

Now I realize the learning process is the rest of our lives....but Hey....what's wrong with getting it right the first time? NOTHIN'! 

What drives me CRAZY as a teacher?

1. little motivation (they have great potential but just don't care)
2. little family support (no one is cheering them on)
3. parents who enable their children (why would they need to be responsible...you do everything for them)
4. repeat mistakes
5. disrespectful
6. poor character qualities (dishonesty is at the TOP of my list)
7. do as little as possible to get by

I don't know about you but I don't want to have any of these qualities that would drive our teacher crazy. I want to handle my learning experience with great grace and humility. 

Whether you want to be or not, we are all students.  It's up to you on how that's going to look.


Good to be back,
The Mrs. Pastor  

p.s. since I've been out for so long, will you pass this on so people know I'm back :)