“Now, be sure to write both the error you made in your previous work, and a justification for why this new answer is correct if you want to get all of the possible points back in your test corrections. I think a lack of thoroughness is part of why you didn’t get full credit back last time.”

It’s my prep period and a student has come in during their study hall to work through test corrections for half credit back. He mumbles a response along the lines of, “Well- thoroughness isn’t just a problem in this class…” So I ask him about it, “Why do you think that is?” He ponders the question, and the answer totally takes me off guard: “I’m very relationally oriented.”

Great! But what on earth does that have to do with being thorough in your homework?!! Well, as it turns out, a lot. We spent the next twenty minutes, talking about how his choices to prioritize relationships over tasks has impacted him in a lot of different areas, discussing the consequences and fallout that have resulted from his prioritization.

The irony is not lost on me- that as we had this discussion, the task of test corrections was not getting done, even as the relationship continued to build through our further conversation. My heart was so full as we talked about ways to prioritize both, and as I prayed for him and he left to finish his study hall period working on something else. This is why I am here.

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A big sigh is heaved as she walks through the dorm lounge and into the kitchen to heat water for ramen. “You okay?” I ask, sensing the tension she carries. “No. I’ve just spent 45 minutes on a phone call discussing scheduling problems that I thought were already set.” She flops down on the floor with a dramatic flair as I sit on the couch of the dorm lounge for dorm cover and begins to recount the woes of working on “Senior Store.” She informs me of all of the planning that goes into the elaborate, student run concession program that happens twice a term. She talks about communication short-comings she is wrestling through, working with both adults and her peers. I affirm her perspective, and encourage her in perseverance, and choosing grace for others amidst the difficult tasks and ever changing plans. We blow off steam together with the other girls in the lounge, laughing at her imitation of a speech given by her math teacher earlier that day. Of course, the imitation involves exaggerating the teachers voice two octaves lower, and standing high on the window seat bench with ones brows furrowed fiercely. This is why I’m here.

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“Why did you think he felt indignation?” My friend and I pose the question to our girls as we study through Mark together in Sunday School. “Jesus has healed many people when they asked… why did he feel indignation when asked by this man?” We ponder this question together, looking for context clues throughout the passage.

“The footnotes in my bible say this word is sometimes translated as compassion instead of indignation…” one student chimes in. How could compassion and indignation mean the same thing? When the man asked if Jesus was willing to heal him, what did he probably feel? Was he accustomed to feeling rejected and shunned because of his being a leper? Did he expect Jesus to respond in turn? Would knowing that expectation cause Jesus to feel indignant, due to his great love for the man, but also compassionate because of the same? It’s impossible to know, and not wise to read too much into the text, but conversations like this is why I am here.

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I am so thankful for the moments I’m able to have with my students, speaking into experiences and character- life outside of Chemistry. This is why I am here. Next week is called “Spiritual Emphasis Week.” There will be a guest speaker sharing with our students each evening in a time of teaching, reflection and worship…

Prayer Points:

Please pray with me for these students hearts and minds to be prepared to hear and respond to God’s word.

Please pray for me, that I would be able to find ways to have moments of life conversations with my students, now, during Spiritual Emphasis Week, and after, and that the Lord would give me wisdom to know what to say to encourage them in their walk with Him.

Please pray for our speaker as he prepares to come and share truth with our students on the idea of “Total Surrender.”

Please pray for our students who are carrying heavy burdens, that they might hear the word and release these hard things to Him, being reminded to surrender all parts of their lives to Christ.

Please pray for our students who have spent years rejecting the truth of the gospel, choosing instead to attempt life within their own strength and being, that they would see the frailty of their own self, and their need for Christ, and that they would seek the Lord.