Are you smarter than a 3rd grader?

I know the official title of the show is 5th grader, but because I work with 3rd graders, I have changed the title for personal reflection. When you see this title, you'll know that I've just learned something from an 8 year old.

I have the privilege of working at Trinity Classical Academy with precious third grade students. This is by far the best and most rewarding job I have ever had. Not only is it amazing to be part of the staff at Trinity and to help further their vision, it is amazing to watch the students grow academically, and especially spiritually.

Let me emphasize something to you about these kids...I guarantee that these kids are smarter than most of the American population today. 8 year old kids are learning Latin! Not only are they learning incredible things, they are being taught HOW to learn. They don't just memorize information to pass a test. They actually learn it and allow it to change their thinking. It's incredible. I could probably write a story a day just about moments at work. My eyes have been opened to so many new things through these kids. God has used this job to teach me so much and to truly understand what He meant when He said that the Kingdom belongs to "such as these." The way the look at and think about Jesus is so refreshing. I love that Miss Hollon, the wonderful teacher that I teach with, prompts them to SO many good discussions. The answers they give are not based on anything but curiosity and humility. I absolutely love it.

So, the other day, we were learning about the Roman republic and its development. Miss Hollon was telling them about the structure of the leadership. She stopped and said, "What are some qualities that make a good leader?" Here are some of the responses they gave: (in their own words)
-truthful
-wise
-honest
-trustworthy
-humble
-courageous
-confident
-righteous
-love worthy
-love unconditionally
-hopeful
-not timid
-stands their ground
-strict, but not too strict
-patient
-appropriate

I'll be honest, when I thought of "qualities of a leader" and looked at this list, I thought "Ok, so this is the kind of guy I need to look for to lead me." Yep, I felt like an idiot.

Then, Miss Hollon went on to say, "Can anybody be all of these things."
They all responded "no" of course.
But then, Miss Hollon said, "Is there anybody in the world that did all of these things perfectly?" And somebody responded, "Jesus."
Then Garrett (Seriously one of my favorite people, more about him later) said, "Well, Jesus doesn't really live in the world so the answer is no, nobody in the world can do all these things."
But then Miss Hollon said, "But is God here with us?"
And Garrett said, "Well, he's in heaven. Well, kind of. Well, yes He's here...His Spirit is here."
And Miss Hollon said, "Yes, his Spirit is here and if the Spirit is in us, then we can become all of these things."

Let me just tell you, that was so good for me to hear. That there is no perfect leader, no perfect person. And yet, the only perfect person to ever walk on earth is still alive and He's at work in me! I have the hope to become someone that I need to be but never could be, no matter how hard I tried. Thank you, Jesus, for giving me the hope to change...thank you for modeling how to live a sinless life and thank you for giving us the power to do so.

"May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in BELIEVING, so that by the POWER of the Holy Spirit you may abound in HOPE." Romans 15:13

Help me Jesus to BELIEVE that you are powerful enough.