Hey teach!

I've been thinking about this post for a while, and am finally making myself sit down and write before I forget all about it!! I find it truly amazing how incredible our God is; and how patient He is. I think back to my days as a high school teacher and remember how frustrated I would get when my students wouldn't remember things I had taught them. I worked so hard to use multiple learning styles in my teaching...to repeat teachings in areas that were very important to remember for a test...and to make it all fun! I had to fight my own feelings of failure when a particular student simply didn't succeed because of his or her own lack of effort or desire.

I've been imagining God in His 'big classroom in the sky' and wonder if He ever shakes His head... He's given me all the study materials I could need in His word; I just have to study it. He's put 'tutors' and mentors in my life to help me learn through different people and styles; I just have to make the effort to listen and follow. He also 'teaches' me by speaking truth into my life, whether through other people or His word or even His Spirit stirring my heart; I just have to listen. God isn't that profressor that sits behind a desk all day and expects me to just get it... His 'office' is open all hours; His word is always available; there are people in my life He has placed there to teach me; and the life that happens around me He is a part of...

I've put myself in the front row...listening, reading, diving in hands-on, working co-operatively when necessary and independently when not. There isn't some 'A' I have to earn or perfect GPA. My God doesn't shake His head when I don't quite get it. He gently takes my hand and re-teaches, over and over and over...and over. He's the most patient teacher ever! And what I see as 'failures', He takes and can make good out of those, too! How overwhelmingly awesome!!