He saw a living, breathing, majestic form of David that today often causes onlookers to gasp in awe at first sight. Michelangelo saw these same imperfections, but he also saw beyond them. Di Duccio and then Rossellino had tried their artistic touch on this column, but to no avail. Both ran into the same problem: the 2,000-pound (907 kg) column was the right height and width, but the marble was severely flawed. This ability of the Lord to mold and shape us is not unlike the experience Michelangelo had in sculpting what is considered by many the finest work ever fashioned by the hand of man- David.īefore Michelangelo took on the project, two other sculptors, Agostino di Duccio and Antonio Rossellino, had been commissioned to complete the statues. Yet with the help of the Savior, each became a powerful leader and teacher of the gospel. Peter may have thought he was nothing more than a simple fisherman Matthew, but a despised tax collector. Some may feel that they just can’t teach like the Savior-that such a quest is beyond their capabilities. Young woman standing in front of class The Lord Can Mold and Shape Us Many of these skills can be developed in teacher council meetings. Training and practice, role-playing, study, and observation can help a teacher of any skill level to develop skills that the Spirit can draw on-helping us teach more like the Master. Teaching skills become divine tools in the hands of the Spirit. Who is more productive, the man who attempts to cut down a tree with his pocketknife, or the same man who utilizes a chain saw? In both cases, the same man has the same strength and character, but the latter is so much more productive because he has a more effective tool at his disposal. When developed, however, these skills allow the Spirit to choose from a variety of options that can best meet the needs of individual learners. Some may occasionally think of teaching skills or techniques as simply mechanical or secular tools. I have been to dozens of teacher council meetings and I always leave with some new insight or a desire to improve upon a skill or attribute that needs refining and perfecting. I know that if even the most experienced teacher will come to teacher council meetings with a humble heart and a blazing desire to learn, such a teacher will receive divine insights and impressions as to how he or she can improve. This saddens me because I have never yet met a teacher who could not improve in some way. On occasion, I meet Sunday School presidents who are disappointed because one or more of the teachers in their ward or branch feel they are so experienced or accomplished that they do not need further instruction or to attend teacher council meetings. Humility is a quality that both invites the Spirit and nurtures our appetite to improve. Perhaps the defining quality of a Christlike teacher is being teachable. We have many excellent teachers in this Church, but the truth is, no matter how many years of experience we have, or how many degrees we hold, or how well we are loved by class members, we can all improve and become more like the Master Teacher, provided that we are humble. He responded, “The difference between us was not in ability, but in the fact that while … they … merely toyed with the fascinating idea of, I cared like blazes!” 1Īs teachers, we might ask, “Are we content with our current teaching abilities, or do we care like blazes about teaching like the Savior?” If so, are we willing to put aside all pride and not only wait for instruction but also actively seek it? Humility Is the Key Priestley, an English novelist, was once asked how he became such an accomplished writer since none of his gifted peers had so excelled. In like manner, teachers will receive constructive counsel if they will sincerely ask this simple question of the Lord and their leaders: “What can I do to teach more like the Savior?” The Lord promised, “Be thou humble and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers” ( D&C 112:10). Soon other elders and sisters came to their interviews and asked, “President, how can I be a better missionary?” That simple question from one missionary caused a spirit of improvement throughout our entire mission. I shared this simple experience with our other missionaries. But he persisted in his question, so I thought for a moment and then offered a suggestion. While I was serving as a mission president in Toronto, Canada, one of my assistants approached me and said, “President, how can I be a better missionary?” My first response was, “You are doing great.” And in truth, he was.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |