We all have these dreams. You have them. I have them. One of mine for years was to teach at my alma mater, Indiana Wesleyan University. Well, I just found out not long ago that this fall, I will be teaching 2 classes of introductory New Testament. After my meeting with the division chair, it began to sink in that finally my dream has become a small reality.
I say small reality because I am simply teaching 2 classes, thus I am considered an "adjunct" faculty member. However, I believe this will be to my benefit since I have never taught on a regular basis before, and I do have a full-time job outside of teaching these 2 classes.
In writing this piece, I have been reflecting on what happens in our lives when our dreams become reality. Are we satisfied? What emotions do we have? Do we feel competent in this new reality?
I know right now I am tremendously excited, but also exceptionally nervous. I am excited because on every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:50am-9:15am and 12:05pm-1:30pm I will have the opportunity to open the New Testament up to freshmen in college who may have never seen the Bible in an in depth way or who may not even be Christians. I am excited because I feel as though I can build on what I liked from previous professors, but also what I did not like from previous professors. I am excited because I get to grow with my students as well. When they are studying the New Testament, I am studying the New Testament! Maybe I can even motivate them so much that some come out of the class with a new faith in Christ or even a call to the ministry.
However, I am also nervous. How will I do with classroom management? Will the students actually learn tons about the New Testament? Will I be too hard? Too easy? I also struggle with insecurity since I am not a Biblical scholar, yet I am a little further along the journey than these students will be, thus I feel as though I can bring something to the table that they will learn and be motivated.
All said, I will never cease to be amazed at how God brings our dreams to reality. My prayer is that we all can write a blog like this one. And may we never cease to dream, or share our dreams with others and with God.
7 comments:
Hunny,
How amazing for you to have this experience! This is truly God-ordained that you get this "trial-run" as a professor. Yes, it will be challenging, and you will learn a ton, but remember I'm a teacher, so I'll be a good resource for you and there for anything that you need help with!!!
Hunny,
How amazing for you to have this experience! This is truly God-ordained that you get this "trial-run" as a professor. Yes, it will be challenging, and you will learn a ton, but remember I'm a teacher, so I'll be a good resource for you and there for anything that you need help with!!!
Wow Brian that is so cool!
I know you will do an excellent job teaching students. I sure learned a lot from you. I miss you so much, its so weird not seeing you on sundays =( I'll praying for you tons.
-Elisabeth Hansen*-
you're my hero.
Hi Brian--
Came across your BLOG. Congratulations on your marriage. Isn't marriage the greatest joy? Also kudos on teaching at IWU. That is very exciting. Adam and I wish you all the best.
Ok-I am sitting here looking at a picture of our RA staff in Williams my first year as a Hall Director. I am now over 7 years beyond that experience and I still get butterflies everytime that I go into a discipline interaction, & I spent over 2 years working with troubled teens up at White's! The main thing that helps me in these times of uncertainty is to know that you are not holding yourself up to be anything other than what you are=someone who has fallen down and found a reason and a truth to help you find the courage to get up again. Help these freshman find the joy of the free gift that God promises to us-Forgiveness in another chance at a future. Show them that there are other people that struggled with the same doubts and fears that they are dealing with in their first days away from home. As long as you are living the dream and not trying to shape WHERE it takes you, I know that you will be obedient to whatever purpose God has in store for you. Take it from me=God was able to use me to reach people along my journey in spite of me most of the time. I am so proud of the man you have become and the fact that I was able to interact with you for the time that we had together! Welcome back to IWU!!!
Feltzy - Bro thanks for your comments...you really did invest in my life and I appreciate that so much...you are great man!
Mimi - no way...how are you guys...if you are ever this way, let me know and I will introduce you to my wife.
Chad - thanks for the words of wisdom...looking forward to working with you this semester
Doug - you are not right...:)
DAve - saw one of your youth here the other day...crazy
Elisabeth - keep praying
Bethany - you encourage me to press on and make this amazing for these students
Honey - You are my biggest help and reason for success!
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