This summer I’ve had three enriching experiences that I won’t soon forget. I attended two educational institutes and completed a publishing class. One institute was on teaching reading in access-oriented institutions and the other institute taught me about the lives of children and youth in Latin America. Both institutes helped me see learning or education from outside of my own perspective. Who would ever think that reading needs to be taught in college? And wouldn’t some of us assume that the lives of children in Latin America are generally similar to the lives of children where we live (in my case that’s in Georgia in the USA). In the publishing class, I learned many trends, controversies, and resources in the contemporary publishing industry, but I also provided a resource for others. I discussed Christian publishing, having learned that most of my classmates knew little to nothing about the Christian publishing community.
Having an opportunity to see things from other perspectives always shakes me a little; it helps me see that I may need to embrace new ideas or see ways I may be stuck in a pattern of teaching that isn’t helpful to all my students. When I’m enriched by learning new things, I also see ways that my new perspectives can enrich others.
So where does the primary goal of this blog come into play here? With this blog, I want to encourage readers to stay connected to Jesus and to share with others the relationship I’m developing with Him. My summer fun makes me thankful that God gave me a heart that cares for others instead of a cold, selfish heart. I hope my life, teaching, and travels allow me to experience the abundant life God prepared for me (all his children) and provide me opportunities to share Christ’s abundant love with others.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
