Introspection

Over the past couple weeks our teachers have been talking about application and challenging us to demonstrate our understanding of the material through changed lives.  They purposefully use mentoring and other methods instead relying on grades.  They want to see us take what we learn and put it into practice.  I've been convicted of this since I know it's not something I'm good at.  I have lots of head knowledge but don't always put it into practice.  One of the books we are reading - Teaching to Change Lives - talks about this same thing.  I'm praying that God will help me to grow - actually change - instead of merely memorizing facts.  I've also been challenged about building relationships.  We talked about how relationships take work and that they should be focused on others rather than ourselves.  We shouldn't just hang out with people we like or think of it in terms of "what can I get out of it?"   Instead, we should choose to work at a relationship - even with peope we don't like!  This is what the love of God looks like.  All too often I am the former!

Joel