The Kitchen Sink
An occasional piece of paper
December 31, 2006
Vol. 9 no. 50

Everything But...
           In twenty-two years of teaching, I can honestly say the greatest joy is when students display acts of compassion and courage without adult coaxing. These moments have absolutely nothing to do with curricula or lesson plans, yet, to me, they are the most precious moments in the school day. My current position is teaching a program aimed solely at connecting with youth “at risk” and keeping them in high school. I have noticed that, if given the chance, students who have not been successful in the past are capable of tremendous generosity. Most days I feel like I have learned much more from them than they have from me. My students have taught me that caring is the most important quality in a good teacher.
          It is easy to be proud of the goodness in children and youth. Can you visualize the boy Samuel? From early childhood, he was confident in his faith and, as a result, his family was blessed. Can you visualize the boy Jesus? When his parents realized Jesus was separated from them, they searched frantically until finding him in the temple talking with the teachers. He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Indeed, this is the only glimpse we have into the childhood of the boy Jesus. We’re amazed at his love of learning and teaching, and amazed at his love for God’s Word.
          Jesus continues to teach us today and we, in turn, are obligated to teach others. As I have learned first-hand, to teach is to care, and to care is to love. Indeed, great teaching is always a form of love.
           - Sharlene McGowan