This Is Why I Teach

People are quick to point out that the American Christmas looks nothing like the true Nativity story. We've made it commercial. We've made it about consumerism. I get that. It's probably part of why I've always liked the Charlie Brown Christmas movie. And yet, when I re-read the account of his birth, I'm reminded of the fact that it was told in so many ways - through idealistic eyes of "pagan" star-gazers, in a temple, alone in a home with a song distinct to her faith. I love the idea that if God speaks the language of the people who are listening. If the notion of God-with-us was true back then, I'm hoping it's true here in America, in suburbia, in the land of inflatable nativity scenes and re-tread songs about bells and the season that, despite all the gift-buying somehow manages to remember the soup kitchens and the kids without coats. If somehow the American culture of consumerism can ruin the Jesus story, then perhaps your Jesus story has become too small. A student pulled me aside last week. She was in tears, telling me all about her step-mom. I'm not sure I helped. I listened and reminded her that she was smart and amazing and that the story that her family told her about herself wasn't true. On a lighter note, this week I got to see kids dream up products that they wish existed. Then I watched them think critically about their products and about consumerism and technology. It was a small step, but it a step toward wisdom. The amazing thing is that I get to be a part of this despite my impatience and my tendency to distance myself when I'm feeling tired. I zone out too often. I am not as present as I would like to be. I get to be one of the magi, watching the incarnation play out in a system that often wages against my soul. So, the answer to the question, "Why do you teach?" is the same answer to "Why don't you get pissed off at Christmastime?" I believe that amazing things happen in broken places. I believe in transformation. I believe that for all the drill-and-kill that a student might experience, I can still help a kid grow in wisdom. I know the classroom isn't perfect, but it's here that I find God. It's not the only place, but it's one of the places. And that's ultimately why I stick around. If you have the day off today, you might want to download Wendell the World's Worst Wizard. It's less than five dollars. Or you could buy the physical book (on sale right now from twelve dollars down to $9.59) and get the Kindle download for a dollar.