Nothing like a good long drive to stimulate conversation.

Last night, the principal of the school where I teach and I traveled to the 2006 OCSTAA convention at Ancaster.

During the drive we both talked at length about various items that were close to our hearts; students, community, theology, our individual walks, etc.

Both of us are busy people, he more than me, but a long drive where nothing else more useful can be done is conducive to conversation. I appreciated the opportunity to finish previous conversations that were started but never finished.

Conversation allows us to understand one another and is vital for community. In talking about a discipline issue among a group of students we agreed that silence or an information gap could potentially breed bitterness, and that by 'hashing it out' the kids and the principal came to an understanding.

I look forward to the trip back.

It's morning, I'm not a Christian

I spoke at our church's youth service last night. I was standing in for our youth leader and followed his itinerary. This meant I had the honour of speaking on Evangelism.

The available material was great - a devotional that is used regularly for that service. I threw in my two cents from experiences as a bible college student and missionary and some exhortations including the topic of this post.

One thing I wanted to impress upon the kids was that being salt and light was not conditional. In other words, our mood and our circumstances should not have preeminence over the joy of our salvation. Christ in us should show on our faces and how we manage our place in community.

I remember when at bible college, I worked on the breakfast crew. We had to be in the kitchen early - 5:30 if I remember correctly. Breakfast started at 7:00. I was disappointed in how many people set aside Christ and were grumpy with their barbs out pricking anyone that came into their path. Jesus was not Lord over their mornings.

Some people are not morning people - a cop out. Some people are not in a good mood today - rebellion. My soulish living is greater than my willingness to "be joyful always." - 1 Thess. 5:16

My encouragement was to submit our whole selves to Christ all of the time and that in the natural course of things we would become attractive to everyone around us and a blessing that would beg the question, "what is up with you?".

Membership Meeting

Last night we had our membership meeting. Like most membership/business meetings, financial and department reports were given, minutes were approved, etc.

Unlike previous meetings I have been to, the membership seemed to really be members. There was a real sense of community.

Beyond our unity, it is evident that great sacrifice and great achievement, all centered on the ability of God and His provision, had made this group closer and very mobile.

The leadership reflected the sentiment of the group demonstrating the humility and desire to honour Christ first before the efforts of the many individuals and the group as a whole.

As meetings go, it was average, the membership however, is exceptional.

Heehaw, Hay Tossing and Humility

Yesterday, our school repeated a now annual event. The event, put on by our student council, and a couple of very enthusiastic staff advisers, is meant to provide an opportunity for community and character building.

The event is called "Harvest Hillbilly Day" and entails various thematic events including seed spitting, line dancing, and hay bail tossing - I'm a good spitter, apparently. Best of all, we all are to be dressed up in "hillbilly" garb.

Well, it seemed that everyone had fun. The full range of enthusiasm was exhibited. There were kids and staff who went whole hog (sorry) and then there were those who had fun in spite if there effort not to.

I saw students who seemed to evolve from near fainting at the idea of being conspicuous and doing something potentially humiliating, to the hope of 'I'm doing this and I'm still alive', to the pride of conquering something and growing up just a little bit.

For me personally, the line dancing was useful for me as a spiritual discipline. I surrendered my pride, my self-protection, and for the sake of the students, showed them all just how poorly I dance. At one point, a pair of students were laughing so hard at my terrible footwork and bewilderment at the steps, that I lost my composure and began laughing at them laughing at me.

Fun was had by all and I think we all learned something about ourselves and each other.

Whyfor and Whereto

As a teacher, a human being who knows only what he has learned and what has been put into him, I am likewise compelled to teach, share, encourage others.

By learning you will teach, by teaching you will learn. - Latin Proverb

Shamefully, I have only flirted with the idea of maintaining a blog. I say shamefully, because I have enjoyed many blogs and because I have been knee deep in web design and development for many years.

Now, as an information and communications technology teacher, I registered here as part of what I am teaching my students. I am also a learner, hoping to conquer the struggles of starting and maintaining a blog so that my students don't have to - though they probably will.

Experience is the worst teacher; it gives the test before presenting the lesson. - Vernon Law

So, welcome. I look forward to what we can learn together.