A Garden of Relationship
Whenever I got discouraged before, I would sit in front of my forty little people and start to divide the class into sections of eight. I would encourage myself by thinking about the eight little people that are awaiting me in the next season of my life. A fifth of the furniture, a fifth of the books to mark, a fifth of ‘homework not done’ letters to write…… So the list goes on. My 'teacher dream' had became a prison with walls built out of heavy structures, seemingly meaningless admin and very strict policies.
At the end of the year I was released from my so called 'jail'. I say ‘my jail’ as I am fully aware of the fact that others can find joy in such an environment. However, stepping into Oakridge Academy, I discovered a garden. It was in this garden, the Lord’s garden, physically there was no garden on our new school grounds yet, I met my ‘eight’ new little people. Oh what a privilege!
These little people quickly became children in blossom – children who were rich in personality, gifting, giggles and hugs. Children with so much potential to nurture. This garden was unfamiliar to me at first and now, looking back, I could have given it a name right from the start. It is called relationship. What a shift it was! From a place where physical and personal contact were limited, I am now able to indulge in the wonder thereof. This changed my approach to teaching, learning, developing teaching plans, assessing and so much more. This garden is a wonderful adventure, rich with opportunity to find joy in undiscovered mysteries.
There is a lot of pruning and cutting that happens in this garden. Sometimes tears water the roots to grow and settle a new found depth in my personal relationship with the Lord. Both adult and child alike, need to allow the Gardener to guide our growth. Character is strengthened and freedom discovered. That’s right, freedom discovered. Sometimes there are multiple walls to be knocked down from the prison that kept you locked in. All of this can only happen in an environment of safety, support and love.
There might be less children in my class now, however it was never about the numbers. When relationship lacks, we become a system of slaves working for masters we never loved. The same with children sitting at their desks. Relationship gives insight and belonging to them as well as us. In front of me I see a group of children who are willing to dare, make mistakes and try again. They are free to explore within the safety of relationship.
When relationship is the soil and sprouts are nurtured with love, the future of education and the role it plays in the Kingdom is something to get excited about. I am looking forward to a generation that will rise up in righteousness and with praise before all nations like a garden in early spring as described in Isaiah 61: 11.