I decided I wanted to be a technical writer after an internship in 1991. I started getting paid for it in 1994. And shortly thereafter, stand-up training became part of my job description.
You see, if you’re the person writing the user documentation, then you’re probably not a bad candidate for such. That’s how the thinking goes, anyway. In my case, it wasn’t a bad assumption. I have no fear of public speaking, and I’m relentlessly organized in ways conducive to putting classroom time together.
So I taught software classes, both at home (Intergraph Building 20, anyone?) and on customer sites. I enjoyed it very much. I liked seeing different parts of the country on my employer’s dime, but I also enjoyed the challenge of holding my students’ attention. I figured out early that if I prepared rigorously, it wasn’t the least bit stressful. The hardest part was remembering to bring doughnuts on the last day.
See, but adults bring an inherent forgiveness to a classroom experience. If you don’t bring your A-game to children, they eat you alive. Children are not blessed/cursed with any sort of courtesy filter when it comes to such. If you suck, then you better believe you’ll know it.
I remember Robin Williams’s character in Mrs. Doubtfire telling his boss that you don’t play down to children, you just play to them. I am trying hard to remember that teaching my boys and their classes at church. I taught Aaron’s class last month, and I’m teaching Nathan’s class this month.
I am so blessed to be in these kids’ lives for part of their spiritual growth. I take that responsibility very seriously, and I am thankful for the marvelous feeling of fulfillment I have at noon on Sunday when I’m teaching.
God, please help me make sure they’re getting as much of You as I’m capable of bringing them.
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I find that it comes back to you in a strange way. The disapproval, that is. After a less than fulfilling season with Scouts last year, I noticed that the guilt I felt at doing a lackluster job as leader came not so much from within, as from the disappointment I felt rolling off the girls in waves. They don’t have to get all up in your grill and tell you you’re not doing a good job. It can be more powerful when it’s unspoken.
Remember to say “Amen” .. which means “to be faithful, support, or confirm., and actually means, “so be it,” “truly.”… So, with “Amen,” we are re-affirming our dedication to God through Jesus Christ.
Kelly, there’s no doubt that children are genuine when it comes to this class of emotions. I still bet you did better than you think.
Fred, Amen.