Two of my friends over in Kent, Ohio (hi Ryan and Amy) grow beautiful and delicious gardens. To my delight they often shared their vegetables and let me sit among their gorgeous and scent-pleasing flowers. Both have often told me about their gardens and the satisfaction they receive from spending time in the dirt and watching their hard work grow. Today I found myself digging weeds from my single flower bed while cursing myself for not paying more attention to the quickly escalating problem. It wasn't long though before my mind set into a more meditative state and as I pulled the weeds from the dry Montana dirt I began to see how a garden parallels so many other areas in our lives.
Ryan and Amy, both different and wonderfully inspiring people, create similar produce, but fashion their gardens as they see fit. However, they can both agree that like many areas in our lives, if not all, take time, dedication, and planning. I dug my nails under the roots of my weed-bed and began to think about what this mass of chaos was teaching me. Recently I read a response to a sad news story about two young adults losing their lives because of a fatal decision to race their vehicles. In his/her post the responder lectured whoever was reading about how today's youth live without knowing respect for themselves, or others, and that they haven't been taught how to be "good" people. Whenever I read comments about how troubled our youth are, or how they lack any real skill to benefit our world my heart sinks and my gut rages. I think of all the youth that are spending their energy doing wonderful things for their families, schools, and community right here in the Gallatin Valley. I think about the people who put our future leaders down as though all adolescence have nothing to offer the world; and then I have to wonder if the responder has ever taught anyone anything, especially about respect. Just when I thought my flower bed was too messy and the soil was too dry I found a worm and I knew that among the mess something beautiful could still grow if I simply took the time to care about it.
It isn't only teachers that teach, or parents that nurture, doctors that heal, and farmers that grow...we are all responsible for teaching. What are you teaching the people around you, young and old, when you make everyday decisions? I often think about the teacher I want to be, and forget about the teacher that I am. I feel pity in my heart for those who don't believe in our youth, and maybe even in their own children. It spurs that unexplainable desire I've harbored for years to step into the classroom because I believe it is where I will make the most positive impact. Last semester my cooperating teacher for my practicum experience told me that 10% of what she is teaching her students is English, and the other 90% is about life.
Who knew that the task I loathe the most could produce such incredible thought and revelations about the bigger picture of life? Seeing the worm wiggle through the soil reminded me even among the bleakest environments all hope is not lost and change is possible.
What are you teaching those around you today?
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