A Lesson from Romans

It's not rare that I ask a student (or five) in my class why he or she does something that he or she know goes against classroom policies on a daily basis.

Three of the most common reponses from said pupils go something a little like this...

1. Shoulder shrug.
2. "I don't know."
Or the ever popular...
3. Blank stare acting like you just asked them how to solve a physics problem while standing on their head. (It's impossible, believe me...the physics problem part that is.)

Number two though would have to be what I hear spill out of most mouths.

When I was little and was asked why I did something I knew was wrong, I often answered with said response as a way to get out of trouble. Whether it was being mean to my sister, letting grades slip, or bad behavior in general...as a child "I don't know" seemed like a logical answer.

But take a moment to think, were there actually times that you in fact didn't know why you were doing something less than friendly?

In the book of Romans, chapter 7 makes it very clear that, because of sin nature, we often tend to make poor life choices eventhough we know better.

Take a gander at the following passage...

We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

As my frustrations rose today with students as they partook in that they knew very well not to do, God popped those words into my head. Perhaps some of them actually don't mean to do what they are doing, but do it because of their sin nature...that and the fact that the majority of them are 7 and are still learning to control themselves.

Keep in mind though, we need to fight our sin nature. Simply because we as humans are prone to fall to what is wrong, doesn't mean we can't do all we can to make a decision of what is right.

Pray

Today my heart was softened.

Amongst the rivers of tears the flow from my most dramatic students, I was rescued with a small lifeboat of realization. One of the best possible things I can do for my kids (and well, anyone) is to pray.

In these past 6 months I have seen, heard, and dealt with many of what I was warned about in my education classes. From behavior problems, to more serious family issues, not much is a surprise anymore.

As I sat with my students in carline I watched my remaining children sit patiently (and playfully) as they anxiously waited for their carpool to retrieve them. As I studied them, I couldn't help but sift through my mental file of each of their homelives.

She always asks me to pray that her dad won't get drunk anymore.
His dad left last year.
His mom is doing all she can for full custody.
Her mom works two jobs just to get by.
On and on down the line, my heart broke a little more as I looked at their innocent faces.

Seven years old, and they've experienced more painful things than I ever had or would ever have to. Some not even knowing what that night might bring.

Since then (and possibly a little before) this verse has been playing on repeat in my head...

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

-James 5:16

 

I cannot control what goes on in the lives of my students once they open the doors of their homes. But I know who can.

So pray and have faith.
The rest is up to God.

Saipan vs. WA

I was hanging out with my friend WB a few nights ago and we began looking at a map in my classroom. I was showing him where I'm from, the states I've been to and the like.

He looked at me, pointed to the map and said something along the lines of this...

"So, you moved from this big mass of land to a dot in the middle of the ocean?"
(said in the nicest way possible of course)

My answer?

"Yeah I guess so."

There are times when I forget how small the place I live on really is. It takes around an hour or so to get from north to south and back again. A trip from east to west is even shorter. Any sort of real roadtrip is out of the question, unless of course you enjoy driving in water. Granted, I've heard a flooded engine is generally a bad thing.

Though I do love the island with its beautiful views, water filled with endless shades of blue, and hospitable locals...I can't help but miss some things about Washington.

First and foremost is my family. I think being away has really helped me appreciate them more and sometimes Skype can only do so much. Now am I saying that it took being over 5,000 miles away to make me love them? Not at all. We might not always agree on things, but we're human and I don't love them any less.

Second would have to be a good, local coffee shop. Walking in and just being consumed with the smell of roasted coffee beans and pasteries (no matter the location) is something that will always remind me of home.

Third is definitely rain. Now, contrary to popular belief the state of Washington is not one big rain puddle. We do have many beautiful, sunny days. But those days when the rain did come, they were cozy. I remember being able to wrap myself up in a big blanket complete with sweats, a sweatshirt, and wool socks. I remember closing my eyes as I sat on our oversized chair and just listening to each droplet beat against my family room window as I sipped hot tea.

I just need to figure out that whole teleportation thing and then I'll be able to enjoy both my homes.

Resolutions

So I'm generally not one to create lists of resolutions for the New Year, not to mention post it all over the internet for the world to see.

But alas, there is a first time for everything.

My resolutions are as follows:

1. Continual trust in God. All things are possible through him, not matter how impossible it may seem to us. I cannot remind myself enough of this.
2. Teach in a way that not only is helpful to my students but is glorifying to God. (This will definitely include a positive attitude on the days where it can be oh so hard to have one.)
3. Read at least three books before the year is through.
4. Write more. Not only blogging but just personal journaling as well. This may fluctuate based on the given inspirational state though.