so I was thinking...
We can do not great things, only small things with great love. It is now how much you do but how much love you put into doing it.- Mother Teresa
I recently read this quote in a book I am reading about poverty all over the world and I have not been able to stop thinking about it. Maybe it is because it is easy to become overwhelmed by my job here in Honduras, or maybe because I am surrounded by a community that is always doing small things for each other, the school, the gringos and it is always with great love. Whatever the reason this beautiful quote has stayed with me, I believe more and more it is a great motto or mantra or whatever you want to call it for my time here in Honduras.
It is so much better to approach the day thinking I need to teach my class farm animals and the numbers to 20 than, oh man, these kids need to learn English by the end of the year. If I approach my “small things” with a passion about the way we can accomplish them and an excitement about teaching them, it can change the progression of a day.
In a lesson today on reviewing the numbers from 11-20, I had volunteers find different numbers on the board as I said them aloud. In an attempt to get the sweaty, cranky and well, a little bit tired first graders enthused about numbers in the late afternoon, I began running around the room frantically looking for numbers. “Someone please help me find the number 16, someone help!”. Hands went up. Eyes were attentive. And the best part, mouths were closed and the kids were quiet! The volunteer I chose ended up being one of my most difficult students, but he too wanted to find the number 16! Maybe looking for the number 16 was doing one of the small things with great love. I was definitely enjoying every minute of it!
I think I am getting the hang of this whole teaching thing.
I recently read this quote in a book I am reading about poverty all over the world and I have not been able to stop thinking about it. Maybe it is because it is easy to become overwhelmed by my job here in Honduras, or maybe because I am surrounded by a community that is always doing small things for each other, the school, the gringos and it is always with great love. Whatever the reason this beautiful quote has stayed with me, I believe more and more it is a great motto or mantra or whatever you want to call it for my time here in Honduras.
It is so much better to approach the day thinking I need to teach my class farm animals and the numbers to 20 than, oh man, these kids need to learn English by the end of the year. If I approach my “small things” with a passion about the way we can accomplish them and an excitement about teaching them, it can change the progression of a day.
In a lesson today on reviewing the numbers from 11-20, I had volunteers find different numbers on the board as I said them aloud. In an attempt to get the sweaty, cranky and well, a little bit tired first graders enthused about numbers in the late afternoon, I began running around the room frantically looking for numbers. “Someone please help me find the number 16, someone help!”. Hands went up. Eyes were attentive. And the best part, mouths were closed and the kids were quiet! The volunteer I chose ended up being one of my most difficult students, but he too wanted to find the number 16! Maybe looking for the number 16 was doing one of the small things with great love. I was definitely enjoying every minute of it!
I think I am getting the hang of this whole teaching thing.
posted by Anna | 9:30 PM
3 Comments:
Anna,
Truly it is the small,simple things in life that make the most impact. I believe that God does love the cheerful giver and although giving is almost always associated with monetary contributions I've come to the conclusion that it is not so. It's how we spend our time,talents,and gifts and the attitude and mannner in which we do it.Keep up the good work, and I'm praying continually for you as well.
Chantelle
Anna,
Thanks for the inspiration today. We've had a few tough weeks and we sometimes forget we have a lot to be thankful for.
I hope they found "16"!
You're #1 in hearts & prayers!
Love, Dad
Anna,
Thanks for sharing that quote. It is the small things and the manner in which they are done which ultimately matters, especially when you're with kids who are soaking up everything you're doing. I've set myself the goal of learning the names of all the kids I interact with at work on a regular basis, especially the ones who need redirection, so I can be sure to give them all some personal attention and interaction. What you've written is confirmation and support of my goal; thank you.
Annie
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