I Am Observant
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” ~ Audre Lorde
It takes a special skill to be observant, to scan around your learning space and not just look, but see. Observation is a key component of our calling in education. Consider this scenario:
It’s a busy, energetic day in your classroom. After circulating around the room answering questions and providing support, you pause for a moment to catch your breath. In those few seconds, you watch. You watch everything happening around you. There are students who may need another reminder of the expected task. You see a student helping another, and it occurs to you these students aren’t friends, nor have they previously interacted with each other; and yet, they are supporting each other. You listen to a child tell a joke they just made up. You overhear a teenager quietly confide to a friend about a difficult situation at home. When you pause to observe for those few moments, your eyes and heart are opened a little wider.
Taking the time to reflect on our surroundings is critical. It helps us tune into our learning space, appreciate the blessings we have been given, and become aware of barriers we might not have noticed. It also reminds us that our students are human, with complex emotions and experiences. Being observant means recognizing the similarities and differences in our learning community and identifying how these nuances strengthen our space. We embrace and celebrate our unique gifts which God has designed within each person, all while acknowledging we are made in our Creator’s image, sharing the same origin.
May the Lord Bless You and Keep You:
Today, may the Holy Spirit open your eyes and ears to be in tune with God’s perspective.
May you view those around you through His lens, with unconditional love and genuine curiosity.
May your observations lead to new ideas for coaching, conversation, and connection.
And may truths of acceptance and celebration be echoed in your midst.
(From “Called to the Classroom: Daily Reflections for Educators” Day #135 by Christina Meline)
