Monday, September 06, 2010

School Again!

Heather and I sort of dragged ourselves to the table to officially begin the new school year today.

Actually, I should say Heather sort of dragged me there. The thought of being back in the school schedule was not my favorite one this morning... Not after the stressful dream that shook me awake just hours before. It was one of those I'm-in-school-and-I've-lost-all-my-homework-and-accidentally-missed-a-million-classes-and-forgotten-to-turn-in-assignments-and-can't-pay-the-bills-and-can't-formulate-an-appeal-and-will-seriously-flunk-out-now dreams.

I hate those.

A friend of mine recently quoted a student we know. "How am I ever going to learn anything if I have to be in school all day?"

It's such a good question.

When my bigger kids were little I was a better, more creative and enthusiastic teacher.

So this is my prayer for the year ahead...

"Lord, would you reawaken my heart to the pleasure (the fun!) of opening a young mind to the endless possibilities that fill this very fine world you've made? Give us patience with math, and maybe some proficiency too. Give us stamina for science, with a heap load of grace. Give us good literature--the kind that makes us laugh or cry or both. Give us poetry that changes us. Give us history that inspires. Help us to explore with wonder and to question anything that demeans or degrades. Raise our expectations and fuel our curiosity. Fill our heads with dreams. Teach us about beauty. Allow us to see you everywhere in everything. And help us, please, to be nice to each other along the way."

Seventh grade has begun.

Here we go!

8 comments:

Tehur said...

I would love to be there so I could teach Heather. I loved teaching Heather and I love how cozy it feels to be a teacher at your home. I amen that prayer and hopefully soon you will post how super fun, exciting and cool homeschooling is! Plus 7th grade is fun:D I love you!

sue said...

flortusI know those tchr nightmares! I've been in my classroom preparing when all of a sudden parents and students show up and I'm totally in my pjs! Crazy things our bodies experience that only our dreams bring to our attention.
Knowing the change from summer to school is dreaded, but trusting good things to come.
Morgan & I think Heather would like Elizabeth Goudge's The little White Horse (not the movie).

dana said...

I am laughing...as I prepare to go back to the classroom tomorrow...

at least you were not naked in your dream!

Heather is lucky to have you and you will find your way through and I will think of you every time I look at the sign that I have put up on my classroom wall that says, "What would love do now?"

Yes...a very fine world it is...

Rachel Van Dyke said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rachel Van Dyke said...

I can't help but comment, Lisa...I'm in my third year of teaching 7th grade English full time...it is such a lovely, life-filled, tumultuous age, and your prayer inspires me to face the days with a little more awe and wonder and what I get to do! We've already been in school a month, so I needed that.

As a side note, I can't believe Heather is a 7th grader! How grown up she must be!

August said...

Hi Lisa, my name is Tiffany August and I would really love to talk to you and ask you some questions if you have time. My email is Laugust42@aol.com, I got your blog address out of the wesmont magazine, well their has been some really cool things happening and I feel like God is putting us together for some reason. Well ill tell you all about it, I just didn't want to post it all on here! I can't wait to talk to you :)
thanks lisa

Anonymous said...

homeschool teachers: what respect i have for you. maybe one day i'll join your ranks.

Carolyn said...

Ha, I am reading this on a Tues. morning when I should be preparing for my class tonight! It always seems to be a last min. rush, no matter when I start! I do pray for your great enjoyment of it this year.....and, maybe for some learning, too! Keep the wonder alive. xo