A teacher’s spot is not always at the front
of the classroom. 
In an education class I took many years ago
I was introduced to a metaphor for guiding students through the maze of
academic and spiritual growth we call learning at a Christian school. Rather
than a teacher solely pushing information and ideas at leaners, the author proposed
a healthy balance of “pacing alongside our students, speaking truth into their
lives.” There is beauty in this metaphor that I’m reminded of as I think of
some learning snapshots I’ve already noticed in the first week of learning at
LCES. 
The above pictures show our teaching staff
doing some of this pacing activity. We are wise to recognize that learning is
an activity deeply rooted in relationships. Jesus taught us this in the way he
instructed his disciples. We read of the sermon on the mount and parables where
Jesus directly instructs, however we also recognize that Jesus walked dusty
roads, ate bread and fish with these men, hauled nets, washed feet – all while taking
hold of teachable moments about the truth of the coming kingdom. The beautiful
story of the road to Emmaus in Luke 24 examples Jesus literally pacing
alongside those who were struggling to understand. There was best timing and best way of
instructing in that moment and Jesus used it. 
Our LCES staff are a treasure. I’m so
thankful for the space they make and the time they take to pace alongside our
students. They are a steady voice of challenge and encouragement as our
children unpack God’s world one amazing detail at a time. Pray for them as they
walk with our students, your children each day. They are doing work that has an
impact today, and for eternity.
SJ
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