Lessons Taught - Lessons Learned

The following post is from my friend Megan. I thought it was worth sharing. Enjoy!

“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” -Brian Tracy-

As I was looking ahead at this week, I realized that I had a project due for my education class. I was assigned to make a video of myself attempting to teach a child how to do something new. At first, I looked at this project as just another thing to do; I was just looking forward to getting it done. However, I could have never imagined the impact this project would have on me. For this project, I taught a sweet little friend of mine how to write her last name in cursive. Through the whole process she was determined to get every letter perfect, and after much hard work, she did. The look in her eyes when she accomplished her goal melted my heart.

Though I may have taught Ella, she also taught me two very important things. So many times we go through our lives not knowing what we are supposed to do. How nice would it be if God would just send us a little note telling us what to do? Sometimes I wonder, am I in the right major; does God really want me to be a teacher? After talking to some friends this seems to be a common concern, especially among college students. We are spending at least 4 years and great deal of money and yet, we are not completely sure that this is what God wants us to do. I am beginning to learn that God uses things in your life to show you what His will for you is. He used sweet Ella to show me my love for teaching. That said, through this assignment I was given peace and excitement about becoming a teacher.

Secondly, Ella reiterated that fact that you can never give up. In life, we all write our letters backwards, metaphorically speaking of course. However, you cannot let that stop you from trying. Ella showed me that no matter how hard or frustrating life can be, you just have to work through it. I do not think Ella even knew what the outcome of all her hard work would be, but she did it anyway.

Sometimes I wonder if all of my hard work will pay off. The class I am doing this project for is probably the hardest class of my semester. Though the class is interesting, it is an incredible amount of work. Moreover, it has been a challenge doing the work without complaining. Just ask my roommate! As Ella had to do, I have to put in a lot of time and effort, as well as work through the challenges to get through this class. God used this project to drastically change my outlook of this class. He showed me that hard work does pay off and that I need to be grateful for the opportunity I have to study at a wonderful institution, like Malone.

I went into this project attempting to teach; yet, I was the one who was taught. For this, I am extremely grateful. I continue to revere how God is working through every aspect of my life here at Malone, even through my projects and classes. I am so thankful for the wonderful professors, who push me to do my best and work hard in order to accomplish something. After all, nothing in life comes easy and God used a 6-year-old to teach me that.

In Him, Meg