I work as a P.E. teacher at an international school in Thailand. Yesterday in a staff meeting our principal inspired us by directing our thinking toward the growth of our students. Where are they in their journeys? Where will they need to be in five plus years? What abilities will they need to have mastered to succeed in education and life at that point? How can we meet students where they are and help them take next steps toward greater maturity as they prepare for the time they will leave our school? 

Then we got to the challenging part – where goals and ideals meet reality. What are some practical ways to meet students where they are and create environments that promote growth and successful learning? 

We brainstormed and shared in groups. My coworker, who is one of the campus spiritual life directors, mentioned a student sharing some struggles in class. The student also expressed thankfulness for the resulting personal growth. My coworker was impressed that a young student was not only recognizing the difficulties and blessings in the growth process, but also appreciating the complexities. 

My principal and coworker’s thoughts were so helpful to me during the staff meeting in ways they could not see. Life has thrown some challenges at me recently. It feels like dodgeball day in P.E. class, only I’m the target. And maybe some people are throwing baseballs instead because it really hurts. I don’t like this season. I would never choose it. 

At the same time, I can see my mental, emotional, and spiritual strength increasing. In small ways I’m getting braver and wiser. I’m letting go of things beyond my control and focusing on making the best choices I can. That is all I can do. I have to trust that Someone Greater Than Me can see what I cannot and will help my questioning heart to keep walking forward. Faith–a simple word, but not an easy concept. 

I am so thankful for companions on my journey. During this uncomfortable season of growth, the unfathomable God, who my brain is incapable of comprehending, has come to me through the help of other people in my community. Their words put heart into me and remind me of what I forget too easily–I am not alone.