Why do I keep teaching?
The quick, flip answer is I need the health insurance. That reason may go away any day. Another quick response is that I can’t afford to retire. Taxes may change that. A third is that my wife freaks out at the idea of me being home all day. That has validity.
But why do I keep at it?
I guess there is a bit of the idealist in me. I have accepted that I won’t see a lot of change in the students I serve. Most would hide it if they were aware of it. I take a longer view. Most of us do not become what we are in a moment but in a series of moments. If I can be one of those moments then somewhere down the road there may be a different outcome. Perhaps discussing the rule of law as opposed to regal fiat will stick and emerge at a key time. Perhaps cause and effect will dawn on them someday as they step into a voting booth. Perhaps they will remember that the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are given by God not granted by a benevolent dictator in Washington.
One can hope. Meanwhile I buy ammo when it is available, check the locks before I go to bed, make sure that my gas tank is full and above all trust God as the author and finisher of all things.
homo unius libri
Yep. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition! lol
ReplyDeleteSince the choices are to lol or cry in our beer, I choose to lol. This is extra important since I don't like beer.
DeleteGrace and peace.
I, for one, am heartily glad that you continue to teach. It's teachers like you who are dedicated to helping students learn to THINK and analyze that are essential to our republic's continuation. Please don't give up
ReplyDeleteIt is the pain of thinking that is hard for them. It is amazing how many are on board until that point. If I spend enough time with the Lord each morning I am able to face the day with expectations.
DeleteGrace and peace.