Do you have an inkling of what your children will be when they grow up? As teachers look over their children in the classroom, they sometimes wonder what their “charges” will do when they reach adulthood. Will the studious ones become the teachers, lawyers, or doctors? What will become of the class clowns? Those of us who have taught for several years, long enough for some of our students to grow up and have careers and families of their own, can tell you that there are surprises, and most of them very pleasant surprises.
I remember “Tommy: who is probably well into his 40’s by now. As a 4th grader, he was built like a cuddly teddy bear, had a soft heart, and was quite sensitive. Then there was the side of him that was mischievous, and he always had a twinkle in his eye that made you wonder what he’d been up to! He never took life too seriously and seemed to see humor in everything, He wasn’t a bad student, but certainly did not strain himself too much at age 9 doing his school work. Being quite intelligent, he could “get by” without too much effort, and getting A’s was not a priority. Enjoying life was a priority.
Maybe you can imagine my surprise when, years later, I went to a Christian book store and found a devotion book written by Tommy. Yes, it was the same mischievous student I taught years ago. When reading about the author, I found out he holds a master’s degree in communications, is an active speaker, and has published poetry and children’s stories. WOW! His picture was also there. I think I might have recognized him even without the name. He hasn’t changed much, except for looking older with a beard and a mustache.
Did I understand his potential years ago when dealing with the mischievous side? Probably not. It taught me a valuable lesson though. Every child we teach is a work in progress. Even when they “mess up, “ it may be a valuable lesson for them, one that is training them for God’s plan to be pastors, teachers, store clerks, secretaries, housewives and mothers, you name it– each a valued and productive member of society. The exact part we play in their lives as parents and teachers may remain a mystery, but these children are to be respected as God’s special handiwork, one not yet completed, but children who are very much a part of God’s plan.
By the way I would look forward to hearing Tommy give one of his talks or presentation. I would expect the humor displayed years ago makes him an interesting speaker today!