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Day 23: God Does Not Change


April 7, 2020


When I began teaching Math in 1983, I wrote on a blackboard with white chalk. (I’ll let you figure out how many years ago that was. YOU do the Math.) I wrote out worksheets by hand and then “copied” them on a ditto machine by cranking a handle. If the principal wanted to tell us something they posted a note on a bulletin board or placed a note in our (literal) mailbox in the workroom which we were required to walk to and check at least three times per day. I averaged grades on an “ adding machine” with a paper tape print out. (No, not on an abacus, I’m not THAT old.). Parent communication was a handwritten note (stapled shut) and sent home with a student or on the phone which was connected to the wall and had a rotary dial. Fast forward 37 years (How was your math? Did you get it right? Use your red pencil to give yourself a check mark.) and you will find me teaching on a giant wall mounted touch screen that I can “write on” with my finger, using a presentation with colorful slides, graphics and embedded videos. Well, actually, you wouldn’t find me there today. Today I will be teaching my students remotely from my living room. But first I have an Algebra team meeting which will be conducted via “Zoom” on my laptop because we are all at home in quarantine. Later my students will take a quiz and submit it online and I will be sending out a mass email to parents to let them know “the latest”. My, how education has changed. Luckily I have been able to change with the times. It was not an overnight transformation. More like a glacier shifting. Sometimes I feel like a dinosaur who survived extinction. Is anything the same about my profession? Yes. Kids still need teachers to love and care about them and their success. Teachers still stampede at the mention of donuts in the workroom. And students in Algebra are still looking for “x”. I find comfort in stability. But right now our entire world is shifting. Many things look different and it’s all happening very quickly. It is comforting to know that God is not changing. He is still here to offer peace and stability in an ever evolving situation. His greatest desire is that we reach out and take what He is offering. In Hebrews 13:8 the Bible says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” James 1:17 says: “But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow.” Hold tight to His hand. Take comfort in His promises. Smile and be joyful!

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