Seriously.
1. I said this today: "WHY do I have to tell you everything OVER and OVER? Why can't you just do what I say? I GAVE you the instructions. I read them to you. Four other people asked the same question before you and I answered THEM. WHY MUST I SAY IT AGAIN?"
2. I find myself saying this (inwardly) all the time: "I want SO badly for you to succeed--for you to want what I want for you. And it hurts to watch you not care."
3. I say this: "WHY ON EARTH can you not all just get along? We are a classroom family. We are in this together. We need to be kind to each other. Words hurt. Your actions hurt. Ignoring people hurts. JUST BE NICE."
The point? God is in charge of the universe while I (try to) manage a relatively small group of 8 year old children. I am human, impatient, irritable, and sometimes unforgiving. I feel helpless when it comes to cultivating any type of intrinsic motivation in my students. He can, and does, change hearts. I'm not sure what the lesson in number three is, other than I'm pretty sure that NEITHER God nor I like this trait of humanity. I just have to keep following His instructions--and letting His work be completed. Above all, I need to remember that while they may not see Him in all areas of their lives, they see me. Let my treatment of them be a reflection of His love and care for me. Because He loves me even when I ask the same questions over and over. Even when I seem to have blatant disregard for His will. Even when I'm not a shining example of getting along with others.
