Now, I Get It!!

I want to apologize in advance. I do not know how much of this post will discuss education, teaching strategies, project based learning, or my aspirations to one day be a principal. This being said, I would like to use this space to iron out frustrations, stresses, and/or questions that have been bouncing around in my head since Election Day. I promise, this is not a rant about any one particular candidate. I will not be discussing my political beliefs much at all, I think. I just need some place to mull some things over...

I was in church this morning, and the priest began his sermon mentioning that this week is a week celebrated as "Unity Week" throughout the Christian Church. Everyone in the pews began shaking their heads in mutual agreement. Unless you have been living under a rock, everyone has noticed how things are very unified right now. We are more divided now than at any point I can remember.

He referenced the two readings and the Gospel, which he weaved his vast knowledge of Christianity with real life examples I could absolutely relate to. Then, he began to talk about a show he loves to watch. He mentioned that this family does not always get along, but every Sunday they make sure they share a meal together. Why do they do this, he asked? Were they obligated as family to do this? Were they being forced? He definitely had my attention....

What was it that brought them to the table every Sunday? It was a respect for each other. It was a belief in something bigger than themselves that guided them. Sure, they quarreled. Yes, they fought. Yes, they had disagreements. But what did they make sure they could do? Respect each other. This is where I had my "Ah-ha" Moment.

See, the last few months, I have not been a good listener. I have not given people a chance to explain why my choice for President would not work; why theirs might be better. I would not listen to people at all. I was so dead-set in my own beliefs that I could not see anyone else's. What example was I setting for my kids (both at home and in my classroom?) Wasn't I always talking to them about Atticus Finch and "walking a mile in someone else's shoes?" I was not being very respectful. I was acting like a child who was not getting their way.

I left church today feeling like a weight had been lifted off of me. Being that angry all the time was weighing me down. I resolved to be a better listener. I am no longer going to assume my beliefs are innately better than others. I resolve to be more respectful. I harp on my students all the time about this idea. We may not agree with others, but they are still people, and they deserve to be treated with respect. So do their ideas, arguments, and rationales.

Needless to say, I left church seeing things differently today. I am glad the Priest took it upon himself to stress the respect angle, and how it effects unity. Here's to hoping I can continue on the same track. We will never come together if we can not respectfully disagree. Thank you for allowing me this space to work through these feelings. Looking forward to a productive, a lot calmer, week. Be the change you want to see in the world.