The Teacher

I’m back. And it feels so good. I have missed my desk and computer. Sort of. What I have missed more than anything is the feeling of connection I had with all of you, and, to be honest, the feeling of connection I had with God when I share my thoughts in these blogs.

Summer brought a different kind of connection though, which I have slowly grown to appreciate just as much. An example of such connection is in the picture above. I had breakfast on the back patio with this strapping young fellow this morning. And it wasn’t the first time. I have learned to recognize God’s presence and sense of humor in a much different way. Often, this summer when I would be sitting outside in supposed solitude, my gaze mindlessly traversing the woods, I would be startled back into reality as a pair of beady black eyes and a pointy black knob of a nose were staring back at me from a bed of leaves just feet from the patio.  Once the momentary shock settled, I would just laugh. Laugh at the beauty and the gift that the moment held as this deer and I shared a bond of being one of God’s creations.

That is just one of the lessons I have learned this summer.

Fall is right around the corner. We know that because the school buses are on the road, the pools are closing, and the Christmas decorations are showing up in the stores. My grandkids are starting school this week and with that comes the excitement of seeing friends again, getting a new classroom, and a new teacher. They don’t always realize it, but there is also the joy of learning something new every day. The limitlessness of learning. And what a transforming effect that knowledge can have for a lifetime, on those who seek it.

I like to think of myself like one of my grandkids, starting a new school year. I’m excited to gather with friends again more often. I’ll have a new classroom, less birds and deer and flowers, and more reading and writing and conversation. I do realize the joy of learning something new each day and the limitlessness of learning. I understand and have experienced the transforming effect that this gathering of knowledge can have for a lifetime when I let myself be open to it. This new school year for me does resemble that of my grandkids, only with one very noticeable and treasured difference.

My Teacher never changes. From beginning to end in this school of life, we have one cherished Teacher, the one from whom all knowledge originates.

This Teacher’s methods are varied and perfect for each of us depending on how we best learn. The curriculum is well planned, well thought out. It’s taught at the right level, when we can best grasp it. This Teacher is always available after hours to provide any additional help and wants us all to succeed.

And best of all, this Teacher never expects us to be perfect. All this Teacher asks is that we show up and try.

Can’t wait to be back in the classroom with all of you. I’m off now to get my pink pearl eraser and #2 pencils. Hopefully they haven’t been replaced already with the snow globes and Advent calendars.

Joan

Mark your calendars for our kick-off event of the new Firstfruits season on September 27. You won’t want to miss this one!