My second post is a reflection of The Teacher's Calling written by Gloria Durka. Early in the chapter she mentions "We can learn a lot about courage from others teachers" I LOVED this especially because this year I have had the opportunity to work with other teachers like never before. I learned so much in my credential program from the other teachers and challenges they have faced. In addition I love this opportunity with ICEL program because I have been able discover courage in other teachers and discuss situations with them and be inspired by them.
I was also inspired by the quote " The world is broken in so many places with shattered communities and lives" I know it seems to be a quote of negativity HOWEVER at Carondelet where I teach we end prayers with the phrase - God is my light. Thanks to Matthew five as well I love discussing with my students what it means to be a light in the world. How can we be a light to others? What is at the heart of our light inside of us?
I challenge my students to keep their light burning bright. I pray that they allow their light to lead them in the dark, keep them warm in the cold, and help them illuminate the spirits of others. One of my co-workers so beautifully says to the seniors as they return home from the senior retreat - she hands them a candle and tells them to keep their light burning bright because the world needs their light. It inspires me daily to aid my students to want to share themselves with the world. To discover their faith, their inner strength and that they have this beautiful light to share with the world. The world is in dire need of their light.
This starts with being thankful for their own life and light. I gained much insight from a college professor Robert Emmons who wrote a few fantastic books of the psychology of gratitude. He has done some amazing research and I love sharing how life changing it is to start acknowledging what you are grateful form, it can powerful connect you spiritually to God.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Lindy! I love being able to see the different aspects that my fellow classmates take from the reading. I am really glad you enjoyed these chapters. I really loved how you spoke about encouraging your students to keep their lights burning! That is so nice to hear that you support them like that. You really seem like a wonderful teacher who invests a lot in her students. You must be very inspirational to them. I look forward to reading your work and sharing mine with you.
ReplyDeleteLindy, you are right about being inspired by other teachers who courageously teach!!! We need each other!! We need to hear each other's stories of the victories and the failures!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso I agree with you about being grateful. Having a grateful heart is so important in one's spirituality. It is the springboard for bringing about conversion and transformation.
I also liked what you said about encouraging your children to let their light shine and to keep it shining even in the darkness. This brings hope to the world. Also letting your students know that they world needs their light!!! This affirms to them that what they do counts, and they can make a difference.
Lindy, As you shared at the end of your reflection about the importance of being grateful...I want to tell you that I am grateful to have you as a classmate in this class. It is really nice to meet a lay teacher who talks about the charism of your school the way that you do. They are grateful to have you.
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about "keep the candle burning" Keep encourage your girls doing it.
Blessed be God!
ReplyDeleteDear Lindy,
You mentioned you were inspired by the quote " The world is broken in so many places with shattered communities and lives". For me this is a phrase that cries out loud to every one who is willing to work for a better world...and I think we teachers come in some of the first rows.
I know that we in the place God has placed us, we are doing our part. You said, "God is my light", yes God is our light and by teaching your students to spread God's light you will bring together the pieces of many broken communities the pieces of many, many, broken lives.