Burned out. Disillusioned. Grown cynical. These words might be associated with a once-loved sport turned full-time commitment or maybe marriage vows that seemed to have ended at the altar. Could it be that the political passion of your youth comes to mind, or quite possibly your experiences with the church and God?
Teaching resonates for me. My two years before the World Race were spent educating the malleable minds of high school English students in St. Louis through a non-profit organization called Teach For America. The cause was noble: Eradicate the achievement gap that exists in America's classrooms, while simultaneously raising awareness about our failing education system. The organization had a vision and a vehicle: One day all children will have the opportunity to a quality education because of the lifelong dedication of service-oriented leaders. The result was shock and awe: Shocked newbie teachers in awe of the realities of the classroom. Students were utterly blind to what greener grass even looks like. Teachers were not teaching due to a combination of apathy, incompetence, and low expectations. School administrators were trying to manage, not lead. Long-term gains and integrity were sacrificed in the name of mediocrity, compromise, and paychecks. Never intending on making a career out of teaching, my final action as an educator was to flick off my empty classroom before walking out the door and into a summer break far longer than three months.
Now, about nine months later, I sit on a log under a tree canopy in Kantharalak, Thailand, making lesson plans for my evening class of English students. As educational methods, strategies, and activities flood my rusty synapses, the opening words to this blog have been replaced with those of "joyful," "hopeful," and "optimistic." My teaching style, preparation, and subject matter has not changed, but my motivation has. Now, the gospel is my motivation. Now, demonstrating the love of God is my mission. I still plan objectives revolving around teaching vernacular vocabulary, implementing role-play, and using questions to spark discussions, but my heart has changed. My goal and perspective has shifted from being data and task-oriented to finding a healthier balance including more relationally-oriented desires. The unhealthy evangelistic expectation that I had put on myself over the years is being pushed aside to make room for love, grace, and hope.
The art and practice of teaching is being restored for me throughout this journey as I strive to understand more of how God sees me. He is a loving Father that restores what has been ruined, redeems what has been lost, and reenergizes where passion has left. My former occupation is not the only beneficiary of this divine interjection. Relationships with friends and families are being deepened. My growing understanding of the church as a beautiful bride is captivating to my mind, heart, and soul. Implementation of known and new strengths is invigorating yet humbling. Here's the encouraging truth of the matter. It's not the World Race. It's not me. It's His nature.
PS: Admittedly, it also helps that sometimes when we visit elementary schools in the mornings we are treated like soon-to-be celebrities.
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