151117 Thank you for the art class

An apple for the teacher

It's fascinating to see how teachable the children can be sometimes. I mean, of course it depends on how intelligent they are in the subject area that is being taught to them. Teaching this art class amazes me because some of the students are really talented, where as some of them (honestly speaking), really suck. Those who suck seem to already know that they do. It's my job to encourage them to keep trying, and help them to do better. This one student struggles with proportions - he draws the body first, and draws the head extremely small. I explained to him about proportions and how to fix it several times but it's really hard for him to comprehend. It's cute to see him and other students make mistakes like that, however, I can also understand their frustrations.

I prepare samples before going to my class. What seemed to be an extra work, and what I found annoying at first has now become enjoyable. I found myself actually enjoying preparing these examples to show my class. The reasons are, one: because it forces me to have a de-stressing time, by  allowing me to make time for lesson planning/ drawing, and two: I like getting compliments from my students. I know, it seems stupid and kind of pathetic to seek for the children's admiration but I recently found myself enjoying hearing the children go "wow" at my simple illustration, that's really nothing to me. I have been feeling defeated in many areas of my life and at times I have been questioning my self worth. I haven't been hearing much compliments lately, so I think this is one area in my life that makes me feel like I'm something. However, I still know that my identity is in Christ, and not in anything else - whether it may be the job title I may have, who's family or daughter I am, who's girlfriend I am, how much money I make, and how famous I may be. But because I am still in the world, often times I am affected by what the world thinks of me.

Another thing I learn from them is their innocence and simplicity. They are definitely different from the kids in Cambodia, but there is still some degree of innocence and simplicity in the children that I teach. Kids are kids, I suppose. I think about the children in Cambodia. I know they too, will also enjoy doing art with me. There are so many things I want to do with them... I'm still praying for the day that I can return to the orphanage to teach these kids, so that they can have fun.  However, more importantly, that they will learn and make it their own, so that they too can teach others. Before going to class today, I prayed a prayer of thanksgiving - how I'm thankful for the abilities and talents that God gave me to use and teach the younger generation. I pray that I won't become boastful in myself, but continue to be humble and give thanks to the Lord who gave me these skills that I have to use for His glory.