wistful thinking

it’s the last week of january.. and soon, the school year will be drawing to a close. *sigh* why is it that time flies so fast nowadays?

one of the hardest things to deal with for a teacher is the end of each school year. mostly because it is at this time when grades are computed, nominees for various awards are ranked, the list of graduating students is prepared, removal exams are administered, etc. for a 4th year teacher like me, though, it’s not the additional work load that’s difficult. rather, it’s the realization that my students - the ones i’ve bonded with and grown fond of - will be leaving high school to go to college.

for the past 11 years, i’ve been going through this “wistful” phase every april (that’s when our school holds its commencement exercises). i can’t help it. i always wonder, “handa na nga kaya silang pumunta sa kolehiyo? naturuan kaya namin sila nang mabuti?” maybe this is how parents feel when their children are growing up and leaving the fold (i could only imagine, of course.. ‘coz i’m not a parent, hehehe). naturally i want *all* my senior students to graduate on time. after all their hard work and all the years of studying, of course i feel proud of them. still, there’s this part of me that wants them to stay on.. just to make sure they *really* are ready.. and because familiar faces are always a source of comfort.

it is said that “everybody grows old. but not everybody grows up.” and i think it’s because it is so hard for us to let go of what we have been used to.. what we are comfortable with. we are afraid of what might happen when we take on new challenges.. when we face new opportunities. growing old is mandatory. but no one can force us to grow up if we refuse to.

in a few months, my “kids” will be leaving their comfort zones - their barkadas, high school classrooms and teachers. they will soon have new adventures.. new challenges that would test their skills.. new chances for growth. i know that even now, they have their fears (as do i); but i know too that they are also excited to find out what lies in store for them in college. if they stay in secondary school.. if they refuse to go beyond what they have gotten used to.. then they would miss out on all the opportunities for improvement.

brothers and sisters, we too are supposed to grow. we should grow, not only in years, but in wisdom, in faith and in love. the number of years that we stay in community is not what matters most. rather, it is what we learn about ourselves - our weaknesses, our strengths, our dedication and commitment, how we face our fears, how we get past the numerous obstacles in service - that counts.

we will not be here forever. eventually, all of us will “graduate” from this life. and while we’re still here, let us make the most of it :) let us serve the lord - not just here in rivers, but *everywhere* - in our homes, at work, etc. because every thing, every time, every place is an opportunity for christian growth. and if only we keep our eyes (and our hearts) open to his leading, then growing up will be more exciting than it is intimidating :)