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Stretched

Have you ever played with Silly Putty? I love playing with the rubbery, stretchy childhood toy!


If folded over correctly, the gob would form bubbles, which would crackle and pop. When pressed onto Sunday comic strips, the ink would transfer to the Silly Putty, replicating the image. Inevitably, the image would distort as edges were pulled into different directions.

Depending upon the force exerted upon the goo, a patient child could stretch the material into a long, wispy thread, or a determined child could snap it into two pieces.


As a new, public-school teacher, I can relate to the Silly Putty product.


Over the past few weeks, I have felt stretched in multiple directions. I had to learn school hardware and software, district curriculum, building procedures and routines, laws and regulations, the culture of the school faculty and staff, and of course, the students. My self-image as a competent, intelligent woman distorted into a funhouse, rubbery image.


All the training I received distorted as my mind strained to remember details. Despite obtaining a bachelor of arts (not in teaching) and homeschooling my children, I did not have the capacity to learn uncomplicated operations. They overwhelmed me. Simple and clear instructions stretched into wispy threads of Silly Putty and floated away.


And, a few times, the strain literally felt like it would snap me in half, just like Silly Putty.


I survived by the grace of God. And, with prayer of lamentations. And, with the assistance of a seasoned teacher, who also joined the school this summer.


One morning in prayer, I asked God: Why does this transition have to be so hard? 


I perceived His reply as …


So that you understand My children better. Many of your students have extremely challenging lives, and this transition is your opportunity to experience how difficult it is to learn under extreme stress.


You needed to hear instructions repeated numerous times. You felt overwhelmed, and at times you over-reacted or started to shut down. You wanted someone to help you, but you had no idea even how to ask for help. You felt out of control and completely inadequate—just like some of My children.


Now you have the capacity to teach My children. You can empathize.


Most importantly, you remained with Me and asked Me for help. I will always help you—perhaps not precisely in your timing, but perfectly in My timing.


Go, be the helper to my children as that seasoned teacher helped you. Anticipate their needs, listen to their questions, extend grace, and have patience. I will continue to help you as you help them.


Reshaping my frustration, anger, pain, sadness, desperation and inadequacy into their frustration, anger, pain, sadness, desperation and inadequacy helped me significantly. The experience opened my eyes better than any lecture could have done. Although I did not enjoy the lesson, I am grateful for the knowledge.


Thank You, Lord, for your grace and mercy! (And, for Silly Putty.)

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