Monday, November 07, 2011

Subtraction

She was 15, and had no idea how to subtract 145 from 2001.

Every time I spend time with these kids, I'm humbled. Humbled by how eager they are to learn, how patient they are with me when I muck up simple questions. Most times I come back in a concoction of small joys, humility, and a little pinch of guilt. 


" WIll you be able to handle subtractions in your next test now ? " 
*bright smile, gleeful nod

Perhaps these are my little rewards. I'm humbled that I have the opportunity to witness the disbelieving joy these children display when they 'get' simple concepts that I've taken so callously in the past. I may have sat her through hundreds of questions on subtraction, but these little experiences taught me how to subtract the negatives in life which in turn subtracts the power that negative thoughts could potentially have on me.



" For I know the plans I have for you." declares the Lord. " Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future " - Jeremiah 29:11

Saturday, November 05, 2011

Solitary



There are some days that I don't really like human company all that much.
It's not the humans that are the problem.
Those are the days when comfort comes in the form of paper, ink, flipping pages, tea and good music. Those are the days like these.



Pic credit