Day 3: Teacher of the Year

When I was growing up, my Dad would say the same things over and over to my sisters and I. As much as I felt annoyed with him at times, his wisdom rooted itself in my heart. I find myself wishing I could go back in time and really listen to all of our "talks" again, without the "teenage tune-out" that seemed to happen often with me. Yet, as much of an attitude as I may have had, apparently I was able to retain a lot of the important things my Dad was trying to teach me. I know this because I am now finding myself having to teach my own daughters some of the same things, using his example. It also helps that my Dad and I still have an amazing relationship, so I get to glean from his wisdom and teaching even still.

One of the main things my Dad always told me was, "Stay teachable." He's told me that for as long as I can remember, and still tells me that to this day. I don't remember all of the instances when we had these conversations about what it means to stay teachable. What I do remember is that I have always tried really hard to take that piece of advice and apply it to every situation in life, especially the not so pleasant ones.

The word teachable has a very basic meaning: capable of being instructed, as a person; docile. I find it interesting that the word docile is added to the definition of being teachable. The definitions for docile are: 1. easily managed or handled; tractable: a docile horse. 2. readily trained or taught; teachable. 3. easy to manage, control, or discipline; submissive. 4. rare ready to learn; easy to teach. I must say, it's much easier to be teachable when you're willing to be submissive and ready to learn. As opposed to fighting against the person or thing that's trying to teach you something.

I watched a Hallmark Movie almost a year ago called "Front of the Class." It's based on a true story about a little boy with Tourette Syndrome and how he overcame it and achieved his dream of being a teacher. His name is Brad Cohen. Throughout the movie, Brad referred to his disease as his "constant companion." As the movie goes on, he starts to refer to his Tourette's as the best teacher he's ever had. I could say so much about this movie and how it impacted my life. But, that would make for a very long post. Maybe I'll talk about it more at a later time.

I've posted the movie below from YouTube. The link is for the entire movie, but if you don't have time to watch the whole thing, please at least watch the ending scene. It begins at 1:30:30 into the movie where Brad wins Georgia's Teacher of the Year Award. This man's story reminded me of my Dad's advice. Brad stayed teachable even when all the odds were stacked against him. Even when he was rejected and ridiculed from the age of six and still to this day, he let his disability be his teacher, not his enemy. He didn't let it win.

His step-mom once told him, after 25 failed teaching interviews, "You have a gift to teach. And it's not in spite of your Tourette's, it's because of it." No matter what challenges you face in life, if you stay teachable and not resentful, you'll be able to utilize the good that God will bring out of even the worst circumstances. I am determined to let my disabilities be my teachers and not my enemies. I thank God, not for my disabilities, but for what He's taught me through them. I thank my Dad for his amazing advice to stay teachable. It's allowing me to be able to help my daughter with what she's going through right now. I will explain that in tomorrow's post.

I'll leave you with a few scriptures. Then, please enjoy the movie. I hope it blesses you as it has me. Until tomorrow then...

Love,

Tracie

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
 

Full Movie:

Ending Scene