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I have worked with teenagers in some capacity for the last 5 years. I like to tell people that it slows down the aging process. Although if you know me, you might argue that what it really does is slow down the maturing process. Either way – I love what I do. I teach. My job is to help students succeed; in class, at home and in life. Most days I feel very lucky and blessed, however, there are those days when I just leave feeling, well, scared. Not scared for my safety (although I have those moments too) but frightened for the future. I work with high school students. Students who can legally drive a car, vote for the president, and fight for our country. And yet, these same students, when asked to name one cause of the Civil War, answered:
 True story. Another student, when asked who his favorite author was, answered (in complete seriousness) “Harry Potter” It seems my kids and grandkids are destined to grow up in a country run by students who understand the rules of Quidditch better than the rules grammar. None of them seem to realize that they must prepare for the future. There is more to life than the moment they are living in. And then – I realize – this might be exactly the way God feels about me. Is it possible that God is looking down on his children (me, specifically) and feeling a little scared? Scared that the spacey kid who forgets his lunch at home 3 days a week, is in charge of feeding His sheep. Scared that the goofy kid who can hardly get past his driveway without tripping, is in charge of spreading the gospel to all nations. Is it possible that when God looks at us He sees a bunch of kids just living for themselves in the moment? I’m worried He does. Perhaps C.S. Lewis had a similar notion when he wrote: "We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." God has so much in store for us – but we fail to see it because we find ourselves content where we are. We would all love Mark Twain or Gabriel Marquez, but we will never know it because we are content just waiting for the next Harry Potter installment. So here I sit on my pedestal, pleased and proud that my career is helping students realize all the world has to offer them. The question is – am I taking the time to allow God to show me the same? |
Comments
Brilliant and humbling observations, Mr. Bickel! (And any blog that includes a C.S. Lewis quote will inevitably be worth while.)
We certainly are good at diagnosing problems (e.g. Young kids failing to grasp the importance of education, or what seems to be an ever-increasing, collective erosion of attention spans and respect for authority). Yet, we often overlook our own lives and how we could improve them.
As a fellow high school teacher, I see the problems you are describing. I once asked a student which country attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. The well-meaning young lady plainly responded, "California?" (note the question mark which seems to follow such factual statements). I share in your struggle: called and burdened to deal with such scholarship on a daily basis, but loving every minute of it (ok...maybe not every minute...most minutes of it).
I too have been working with high school students for the past 5 years or so; working with a youth group and then teaching in the California public school system.
During that time, I have experienced a lot of the disillusionment you described.
However, this year is my 3rd as a full-time teacher and it has been a bit different. I have taught Juniors all three years. This is the first year that I have had former students out of high school. Various students who have graduated and "moved on" will stop by my room from time to time when they are on campus for one reason or another. As I listen to these students and what they are doing now--what they are becoming--I am beginning to believe we might just be a bit more than professional babysitters (which is what I have definitely felt like from time to time).
One such student recently joined the Army. Two years ago, he was one of the laziest individuals I have ever met in my life. Two months ago when he stopped by my classroom, he stood straighter and spoke more respectfully than any of my 110 current students (btw: the US military is very good at positively changing lives).
He had no idea how encouraging that visit was for a person who has spent most of his days working with these kids on the front-end of the journey into "adulthood". There are others like him, but suffice it to say, they are beginning to help me understand that growth and maturity will eventually happen and that my job is to play whatever little role I can in that process.
Our hope and prayer (as Christians) should be that we are progressing; that we aren't stuck saying California bombed Pearl Harbor or, more relevantly, that "the pleasures and temptations this world has to offer are attractive enough to live for". Would that we might be ever-growing and ever-maturing; able to die to this world a bit more each day and year and in doing so, with Christ's help, attain to an understanding, humility, and sense of identity that helps us place God first in our hearts and love others as ourselves.
Great post and thank you very much for inspiring some challenging introspection.
bloggeddown -
thanks for your comment. It is nice to be encouraged (in my blogging and in my profession.) I have come to rely on the advice, encouragment and company of other teachers. It is nice to be around others who actually know what it is we go through on a daily basis. (the good and the bad.)
Thanks brother.
Great blog and great perspective, Matt. I'm happy to think you're out there influencing the leaders of tomorrow.