What's this about again?

I've toyed with the idea of whether or not an update is in order, since in my mind the point of this blog is to follow my first years as a teacher, and I am currently not a teacher (as in, it's summer and I have no students to teach--not as in, I've been fired from my job. Because I haven't.)

However, it occurred to me that I'm still learning things, even while school is not in session. Some things that are applicable to the classroom, and some things that are just applicable to life.

In my days of freedom and lazy summer days, I've been doing quite a bit of reading. I've finished 8 books and am currently reading 4 more (yes, I read multiple books at a time to mix things up). I've just started reading a new book by Max Lucado, "It's Not About Me." The title instantly struck me, because I've been struggling for so long to get to a place where I could say those very words and actually mean them. Of course I want to believe that I did not choose Teach for America for me, and that everything I do during the year is for my kids. And I absolutely believe it is what I'm called to do. But I also know that in my heart of hearts, it's still easy to put myself first. Sure, I try to make the best lessons possible for my kids, so they will grow and flourish and become scholars. But don't I often choose what's easiest for me to plan and execute, so that I can get more sleep and have a little bit more free time? Don't I often react to my kids out of defense of myself, and not necessarily how they should be treated? Sadly, the answer is yes. And this is not limited to my workplace. I know I'm selfish in every aspect of my life, in some way or another. I'm nowhere near the point of "it's not about me", but I know God is slowly working on my heart. And I also know I'm not the only one (ahem).

Max Lucado's books are often simple and full of really corny jokes and puns. Many people scoff at me when I admit to having read not one, not two, but three Max Lucado books. The truth is, I enjoy the simplicity. In fact, it is precisely that that really makes me analyze the character of God. Plus, who am I to scoff at theological simplicity? I would hardly say my understandings of the Gospel are complex enough to garner any sort of credibility on my own. So for those of us who are just trying to learn more about our Creator, Max Lucado's books are a great place to start.

The first thing that caught my attention in "It's Not About Me" is from the very first chapter. Lucado describes the moon and its function:

"What does the moon do? She generates no light...Apart from the sun, the moon is nothing more than a pitch-black, pockmarked rock. But properly positioned, the moon beams. Let her do what she was made to do, and a clod of dirt becomes a source of inspiration...The moon reflects the greater light.

And she's happy to do so!...The moon is at peace in her place. And because she is, soft light touches a dark earth.

What would happen if we accepted our place as Son reflectors?" (See the pun? Get it?)

Food for thought. Think about that for a minute.


Chapter 3 is all about God's self-promotion. How everything is for His glory. Our creation (Isaiah 43:7, 21), our struggles (Isaiah 48: 10 - 11), and His Son (Hebrews 1:3). I'll admit, I've struggled with this idea before. I mean, I know He's an all powerful, almighty, BIG God, but seriously? Does he have to toot his own horn?

Max Lucado's answer is, well...yes.

He uses the example of a lifeboat pilot. If you were on a sinking ship, "floundering neck-deep in a dark, cold sea", what would you want the pilot to do? Sit quietly? Mumble his apologies as he searched for you? No! You'd want someone who declares his presence and strength, and is confident that he can and will save you.

As Lucado says, "Make no mistake. God has no ego problem. He does not reveal his glory for his good. We need to witness it for ours."

We all need rescuing, in some way, shape or form. Whether we admit it out loud or not, we know it. And once we witness God swooping in to save us, we should be confident in and declaring his greatness, his ability, and his strength.

Lucado makes it look so easy, and it makes so much sense. Yet I still struggle to do all of the above. Sometimes apparent simplicity is more complicated than we might have thought.