The article below was written over thirty
years ago. It still seems appropriate for
Catholic Schools Week which we celebrate this week in the USA.
In my twentieth year of teaching elementary school children, I have
taken a good look at what I’ve been doing and why. I would like to share with you some of my
reflections.
When children hover over simple, “mundane” marigold seedlings,
amazed at finding a remnant of the seed still attached to a leaf, and react as
though they were the first to discover such a phenomenon, my sense of wonder
bubbles with theirs.
When a child, in tears, embraces another who has just hurt
her and offers: “I’m sorry,” my trust in Creative Love is renewed, and I
rejoice.
When children’s faces glow with fascination with the reading
of C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, their simplicity
humbles me.
When a child, in a slightly quivering voice, expresses his
dream for his future, I touch Reality.
When, growing in confidence, a child walks a little taller, I
experience “This is a good place to be.”
When the day has been hectic and I am without strength to
face that one, last class of eternally-energized youngsters, I am driven to
remember wherein my strength lies … and inevitably, I discover Faithfulness.
I have made painful mistakes,
experienced failure – and I have grown through my role as an educator. I have had more joy than I ever thought
possible.
What I have learned and
experienced in life so far – my share of Truth and who I am, is what I bring to the students with whom
I have been entrusted. I hope it makes a
little difference on their own journeys.
(They have to mine.)
May our loving God accompany them safely on
their way.
“For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
Which you cannot visit,
Not even in your dreams.” Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
Sr. Sharon Portwood, OSB
