It's my Dad's fault, I suppose! :-) I've got teaching in my blood and once it's there it never leaves. Our daughter, Jeri, is the same way. She just can't help thinking like a teacher! (I see it in her more than she sees it in herself and it makes me smile!)
I didn't realize how much this was still true in my own life until just lately. You see, I haven't been using my teaching skills and gifts in any formal way in a long time. I've just taught by influencing, I guess. I kept busy with my job for Jim's company, but it only utilized acquired skills and nothing from my gift-mix or passion -- other than the occasional counseling/empathizing. So, I got through each day but I certainly didn't thrive in each day.
When I look back at the past two months, the high points were ... get this ...:
grading writing papers for Jeri's university students!
and
creating a "make believe" lesson plan for the online course I just took!
And that is CRAZY! Who actually LIKES to grade papers other than desperate teacher-wanna-be's!? And who gets excited about writing lesson plans -- believe or make believe!?
I actually got excited about my lesson plan and told Jim some of what I was creating. Duh, it's all make-believe. No students. No teacher. Just an assignment so that I could finish my online course and get my TEFL certificate! Sheesh! But, as mentioned in my previous post, Jim graciously said the appropriate "really" and smiled as I told him my ideas.
Teaching is in my blood and oozing through my pores. ('not a great visual, that mix of metaphors!) I thought I could translate that over to writing but it's tougher to visualize any students or an audience so my book project has not been progressing much of late.
Anyway, my point in these rambles is -- if what you are doing isn't linked to your skills, wiring, passion, gifting in some way -- change course as soon as possible! (Unless, of course, what you are doing for employment is enabling you or someone you love to pursue your/their passion when not on the job ...)
Be still long enough to listen ... that's a calling calling!
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3 comments:
Thanks Sharon, I enjoyed that. I'm one of the lucky ones that gets to use my gifts and passions in my job and in my volunteer work! Organizing things is my passion, I love details and putting everything in it's proper place, finding ways to make things more efficient and organized. Very task oriented.
Maybe you could find a way to teach some of the kids around there? Probably hard not knowing the language though....
Sharon,
I always wanted to be a pirate when I was a kid. Should I follow that route now as an adult?
Just kidding!!!! I love your blog. Where are the two of you heading next?
Cousin Johnny
I remember you telling me the story of you as a wee child with all the other wee children gathered around you as you gave them a teaching or a lesson of some kind.
Yes, you are definitely meant to teach, and also to write (another way to teach.)
Keep the teachin' coming!
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