Yesterday I made a mistake; I spoke to a student harshly out of frustration for the first time since I began teaching. I knew the day would come, I just was hoping it would come a lot later. Two students had been talking almost constantly, bickering back and forth, and had been fidgeting around fake punching or whatever flirting is these days. I had spoken to them several times and given them the "look" if you know what I mean. Finally I turned around and one of them was leaning forward out of their chair talking to the other so I said, "Put your rear in the chair and listen." Well, as soon as the words came out I wanted to take them back in, but I couldn't. So yesterday I made a mistake, but today I looked at it as an opportunity.
Before I started teaching today I told the class I needed to take care of something. So with all 27 students silent and listening I apologized to the student I spoke harshly to yesterday. I told her I was sorry, it was wrong of me to speak out of frustration and that I never wanted to do that as a teacher. I then asked for forgiveness. Thankfully, she was gracious to me, said it was okay and forgave me.
It wasn't easy. I'm a teacher, she's a student. I'm older, she's younger. I'm in a position of authority, she is under my authority. It wasn't easy, but it was right. While we are different in the world's eyes, we are the same in Christ's eyes. We are both His creation and have the same value. I knew in my heart this is what I should do so even though my lip quivered a bit and I briefly considered backing out I couldn't. I knew I had been wrong.
I thank God for revealing to me that my mistake was an opportunity. I could model the behavior and character I want my students to show each other. I could become human just like them. I could show Christ's love. I could hopefully gain their respect. I could demonstrate admitting wrongdoing and sincerely apologizing. I could be an example. I pray this small incident plants seeds within their hearts and minds.Yesterday was a mistake, but today. . . today was an opportunity.
From the other side of the desk--Humbled
Before I started teaching today I told the class I needed to take care of something. So with all 27 students silent and listening I apologized to the student I spoke harshly to yesterday. I told her I was sorry, it was wrong of me to speak out of frustration and that I never wanted to do that as a teacher. I then asked for forgiveness. Thankfully, she was gracious to me, said it was okay and forgave me.
It wasn't easy. I'm a teacher, she's a student. I'm older, she's younger. I'm in a position of authority, she is under my authority. It wasn't easy, but it was right. While we are different in the world's eyes, we are the same in Christ's eyes. We are both His creation and have the same value. I knew in my heart this is what I should do so even though my lip quivered a bit and I briefly considered backing out I couldn't. I knew I had been wrong.
I thank God for revealing to me that my mistake was an opportunity. I could model the behavior and character I want my students to show each other. I could become human just like them. I could show Christ's love. I could hopefully gain their respect. I could demonstrate admitting wrongdoing and sincerely apologizing. I could be an example. I pray this small incident plants seeds within their hearts and minds.Yesterday was a mistake, but today. . . today was an opportunity.
From the other side of the desk--Humbled
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