I Am A Risk-Taker
“Sameness breeds more sameness until you make a thoughtful effort to counteract it.” ~ Michelle Obama
When I first read this quote by Michelle Obama in her book, “Becoming,” I immediately thought about our public school system. Sameness. However, experienced teachers have told me teaching is not what it used to be. Something has shifted. Somehow, the world has more needs which we, as educators and caregivers, are being asked to fill. So, it seems as if not all is the same. Our students are changing. Our society is moving forward in new and exciting ways, and in grieving ways as well.
We find our situations conflicting when our students and their needs are changing, but our systems and practices are not. When we step into our learning spaces and see very little progress for our students, teachers, and leadership, we must ask if enough thoughtful effort has been made to address these growing responsibilities and challenges. I do not believe our God is a passive, wait-for-it-to-happen God.
In His journey on earth, Jesus Christ was a risk-taker – perhaps the boldest risk-taker to ever walk the earth. I believe this is evidenced in two ways. First, He challenged the “sameness.” He counteracted norms of His societal environment regarding how to treat others and how to achieve greatness. Secondly, He was unapologetically committed to His calling. God’s Son was sent to demonstrate His unconditional love to His creation. He journeyed while telling stories - at times uncomfortable stories - and performing miracles by connecting personally with the people around Him. We are called to follow His example in our respective positions by making a thoughtful effort for how to counteract systems and practices that go against God’s vision for our children, families, and communities.
May the Lord Bless You and Keep You:
Today, may you accept the invitation to be the hands and feet of Christ.
May you risk feeling uncomfortable in order to reap great outcomes in God's Kingdom.
May the Holy Spirit protect you from becoming complacent in your personal and professional life.
And may you be emboldened to live out the great calling God has entrusted to you.
(From “Called to the Classroom: Daily Reflections for Educators” Day #125 by Christina Meline)
