The Unlikely Career
If you were to teach as a career, what would you teach?
Recently, one of my nieces said she wanted me to teach her math. My youngest son balked and said, "You want my mom to teach you math?"
I could have been offended by my son's incredulous statement. But, it is well-known in my family that math is not my favorite subject. To those who have followed this blog over the years, I profess with too-much-pride that I personally shun activities involving mathematics.
Yet, on one occasion with this particular niece, I assisted with a math worksheet.
Why?
I am a teacher at heart.
I didn't always believe this or consider myself a teacher. My sister was the one setting up schoolrooms in our basement when we were younger. I played along...when I felt like it. But, I was much more interested in living out my imaginary worlds in my own room, learning about other people, places, and things through books, and writing down my own stories, essays, and poems.
I considered teaching English before entering college. But, when it came down to it, I wanted to edit and write more than I desired to teach in a classroom. Besides, I came from a family of teachers, and didn't I want to be my own person?
As God would have it, I ended up teaching, not only my sons through homeschooling, but also in co-ops, small groups, and other mentoring opportunities. I also taught subjects I couldn't wait to stop studying as a student--math and science--and gained appreciation for those subjects. When I knew my own disinterest would undermine my children's enthusiasm, I asked those who excelled where I did not to come alongside me when I needed it. I, in turn, shared my own writing and editing prowess. We are finishing up our homeschooling in May, and I realize with astonishment I am a teacher with thirteen years of experience.
But then, I smile and wonder, why am I surprised?
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.