MIDDLE SCHOOL MINDSET

I caught sight of a black binder clip tossed between two rows

in the back corner of my classroom yesterday.

It was the same corner I had scolded a few minutes earlier for

chatting while I was giving one of my fascinating & inspiring

history lectures. Actually, I had earlier pointed my finger back

there & said, “All right, who is talking?” Silence. I asked again,

in that—it’s-not-really-a-question-but-an-accusation tone of voice.

Still silence. So I went on with everything they have ever wanted

to know about the Crusades until the flying object caught my eye.

“I’ll get that, thanks,” I smiled slyly, & continued teaching as

I walked back to pick it up from the floor where it had fallen

short of the desired target. There were 2 young ladies with

discernible stricken looks on their face. I spared them & didn’t

read the note until after class & laughed out loud when I did.
“NO 1 WAS TALKING!!!”

“I THINK SHE IS GOING CRAZY.”

“LOL YEAH MAYBE SHE NEEDS A HEARING AID.”

And then the part that really made me smile…
“IS THERE ANY PART OF HER OUTFIT THAT YOU LIKE???”

There is no mistake about it. God put me in this job to

sanctify & humble me. He gives me these great opportunities

to learn patience without irritation.

Disciplining without self-righteousness.

He gave me the 7th grade class---the chattiest and least

disciplined class I’ve had in 11 years of teaching.

He gave them to me because I am having trouble mastering

His lessons on teaching with mercy and grace---

the way He has taught me.

I’m learning these lessons very slowly. And along the way,

I’m discovering that I am not very fashionable either!!

My 7th grade class at last fall’s field trip to the Smithsonian
Which two were the culprits, you ask?
I won’t say---because at any given time, I believe they all might say,
“I think she is going crazy." or worse yet.. Is there any part of her outfit that you like??”