Teaching - an immortal profession

"Those who can't do, teach and those who can't teach, teach gym" - Jack Black (School of Rock)

That statement has always placed a stereotype and stigma to every educator out there including myself. Not until today, after 4 years of University training to become a teacher, that I realized the importance and rewards of this profession. My school was at a skills trade competition where I quickly found out that many of these trade occupations require less years in post secondary school and thier starting salaries are actually more than what a regular teacher will make in a year. No aspiring educator becomes a teacher because of the money! lol! It's so much more than that. On top of a job that gives Christmas, Spring, and Summer Break paid vacation, it most importantly gives you an opportunity to be remembered forever. As the young Jesus was teaching in the temple, he passed on his knowledge, wisdom and principles to his followers.   

I remember my grade 4 teacher Mr. Starks, who would implement Soccer Fridays last period in order to build classroom community and my grade 6 teacher Mr. Hunt, who honed my awesome chess and spelling bee skills before later on dying from a brain tumor. Even in high school, Ms. Sofia who scared me right into dancing to even Professor Butler, who encouraged my actors' spirit. Lastly, my physed professor who has challenged me to take pride in my profession and that we are teaching the whole student both mind, body and spirit.  

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."  ~Henry Brooks Adams

-So I ask you fellow reader, which educator/s has influenced you till this day? Share what made thier influence memorable and ever lasting in your life.

Heroes

"With great power comes great responsibility" - Spiderman 1

I never really gotten into the new tv series "Heroes" for some odd reason. Heck not even the Superman movies whether classic or old. However, Spiderman has always had a special place in my heart for some reason. Peter Parker an ordinary man to some, a push-over, unconfident and weak person who was not destined for anything great. But when god allowed that awesome mutant spider to give him his glorious super strength, sweet webbing skills and the vertical of a kangaroo, he became Spiderman, a protector of all mankind and he found his calling, mission and purpose in life.

That relates to ordinary people like ourselves who walk in life being told that we are suppose to be this person and selling ourself short in the end. When you let others, things and ultimately the worldly treasures to take over your life then you will never be the person you are. On the other hand, when you allow god (the awesome mutant spider hehe) to knock, purify and steer your heart, extraordinary things will happen. That god "injection / dosage" is powerful baby!

You become stronger (strength) in faith when faced with struggles, you are given the right network (webbing) people to be used as tools to help you and you are given hope (vertical) that holds no limitations. Ultimately, when you find your purpose, you find meaning and once that is discovered, you find hope.

I truly believe each of us have heroes in our lives. Whether they are in the same house, the people we spend our liesure time with to even people we work with. In reality, a hero is not someone who has a mask and special powers, its someone who fights for a cause.

Hero definition: a person distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility and strength.

We all are destined for greatness right from the start. We just have to let god show that to us and unleash it to the world. We are all meant to shine and make an impact on this world and in the lives of each other. Do not underestimate the impact and the influence you make with each coversation, encounter and experience. Sometimes, it can either mean the difference between life and death.

Life is not about fame, riches or any earthly standards. It's about investing in people. In education, no one remembers the different concepts, vocabulary or even calculations learnt, we remember those teachers / people who invested in us (whether it be through life stories, their caring demeanor to even their simple faith in each of us to grow). That is the same with God. Hardly anyone remembers what was said in the homily, readings, and or gospel, maybe the odd main points. But, the life and impact comes from the heart of the Church which is its people. God is people! We all require each others investment in each others lives.

So ask god to unleash the hero in you. Maybe he has already but, you are not using it according to his plan. Nonetheless, be that courage, be that strength and most importantly be that source of hope for others. By doing so, you will truly walk on water.

"Walk by faith and not by sight"

So I ask you anonymous reader, since god is in all of our hearts, who has been that hero in your life?

Privelage

"The highest expression of love is to give without expecting" - India Arie (one of the most heartfelt, passionate and christ like artist out their)

I have always been put into a role or position of responsibility, high expectations and leadership. It can get really lonely, pressured since all eyes are on you and sometimes feel that everything you are doing is wrong. Sometimes, I wanna trade all that for a life based on simplicity where I don't have to be this kind of person and ultimately put on a face. That can become very functional. But god intended for me to be in this kind of status in order to affect a change, an impact and a difference. The saying, "By blessing others, you bless yourself". By giving yourself (time, talent, treasures) to someone / a group in need, god rewards you no matter what. He sees everything, even the ones not acknowledged or seen by the public. So I challenge you reader to have that heart of kindness, generosity, and humbleness to bless someone with your smile, your time, your talents, your words of wisdom, and your unconditional love. You will see the reaping harvest of your actions, if the purpose, meaning and reasoning behind it was genuine and true.

I love my bros

Don't live today for tommorow! Worrying is a sin! Trust in the constant learning and molding god is putting you through each day! Don't live today for tommorow!

Don't Schedule

Let God guide your schedule. "Jesus Take The Wheel". Look mom no hands!!!!!!!!!!!! haha

For those who have failed and made mistakes in not listening to god in regards to any decisions below is a little reminder:

The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of a cause for regret is to only ask, "How can I put this to use today?" "Start tomorrow,"

Stop waiting.....
Until your car or home is paid off
Until you get a new car or home
Until your kids leave the house
Until you go back to school
Until you finish school
Until you clean the house
Until you organize the garage
Until you clean off your desk
Until you lose 10 lbs.
Until you gain 10 lbs.
Until you get married
Until you get a divorce
Until you have kids
Until the kids go to school
Until you retire
Until summer
Until spring
Until winter
Until fall
Until you die...

There is no better time than right now to be happy.
Happiness is a journey, not a destination.
So work like you don't need money.
Love like you've never been hurt, and, Dance like no one's watching.