Christians talk about hearing God's voice but struggle to explain what that looks like in real life. I think that’s mostly because we hear God in so many ways, it isn't possible to make it formulaic. That would be like asking how to tour Rome--there isn't a particular way, but someone with experience could certainly offer tips. Last Tuesday, I was blessed to hear God's voice in a very new way. In Italian. Through a day old newspaper article.
I had time to read one article before going to teach my evening English class, so I flipped through an old paper I’d had no time to read yet. Skimming titles, I sought something interesting that I could mostly understand for the language practice. A short piece caught my eye titled, “How one learns to teach well.” The author said knowledge on the topic, some natural skill, and resources are the foundations to success in any field. The main point in the article, though, was that experience is the only way to really become a good teacher. Years of study are fruitless without genuine practice.
Encouraged, I folded the paper and headed to the church. Midway through my lesson, the activity I'd planned proved too complex for my class. The time devoted to a particular exercise didn't go quite as I'd hoped. In that moment, my thoughts returned to the article I'd just finished. Instead of being frustrated with the material I prepared, I realized I was the student learning the most through the activity! Instead of becoming discouraged and wasting time, I made changes, the class powered through, and we enjoyed the next practices all the more.
I later realized how easy it is to overlook God’s help. A powerfully relevant and timely newspaper article bubbled to the surface of my mind and gave me a positive attitude when I could have become irritated. Instead of losing motivation for an entire class because of one exercise, we all adjusted. Instead of reprimanding myself for choosing a bad activity, I was thankful for the learning opportunity. When a brief, day old piece in the paper “coincidentally” creates such an impact, God has chosen a sneaky way to speak. But God has spoken.
Teaching has been going really well, including that class. But I must enter humbly into this role, remembering it's always okay to make mistakes but never okay to stop working. I must remember that my students are sincere in their heartfelt thank-you’s. And I must continue seizing every opportunity to bring learning, joy, love, peace, and friendship into the classroom.