I just wanted to share and process an encouraging word that I found in listening to a podcast of a recent Rob Bell sermon. In his sermon on a passage from Ecclesiastes, Rob Bell is talking about the misconception that we have the power to control the outcome of situations and how this lie can often times rob us of our joy. The following is a quote from his sermon that really stuck me in my current situation of feeling as though it is all up to me whether the kids at school learn a lot or have a good time:
"When you face the possibility that your actions may not bring about the result you wanted; when you surrender your desired outcome and acknowledge your powerlessness; now you are free to enjoy and we may even be able to help somebody in the process.”
He goes on to say that we must go into any given situation in which we are placed with the knowledge that you may pour everything you have into a person or group of people and not have the slightest impact that you had desired.
I think that this resonated so deeply with me, because it is easy for me to want to be all things to all people and the reality is and I can only be me. With the constant desire to have all the kids learn everything right away and have them like me and be well behaved, it is tough to stop and realize that there are so many influences on each and every kid and on me as a teacher that I simply need to stop and let go. I hope that I can take these words to heart and keep them near to me in the times that I feel like I am getting nowhere, because the reality is, I need to be ok with getting nowhere as a teacher. I just need to enjoy the ride.
Synopsis by Song: "Let Go" by: Frou Frou
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