My favorite teacher here at school is Dr. Simons. I've never heard him saying anything obscene or even entirely offensive. The thing about Doc is that his words contain so much power and the force behind them leaves you with a sense of respect for what he says...regardless of what it is. His every opinion, belief, command is filled with such conviction and confidence. He's harsh. But he makes me want to be a better person. And for all of his gruffocity, there is a gentleness behind his thunder. A gentleness refined by age and wisdom. He's understanding...but holds my feet to the fire.
One of my favorite things about Doc is his storytelling, his reminiscing of the way life was when he was our age; his memories of Woody his wife, like yesterday when he told the class a detailed account of the first time he laid eyes on her. Her back was turned towards him and she was facing a mirror, applying her lipstick, wearing a navy blue wool skirt and blue wool sweater her hair in a fashionable up-do. And he couldn't move he was so captivated by her beauty. He loves her so much...
But one of the things that I most appreciate about him is his understanding of where we are in our lives at this moment. This limbo, this purgatory of being on our own, of breaking away from our families, but not yet having one of our own. This place is hard. Part of you wants that security of the familiar nest...but part of you enjoys this lone adventuring. And you're torn between two worlds, two ways of life...but you know that the only way is forward, no matter if you don't know how you will get even one step farther.
Doc Simon's prayer before every class goes something like this: Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Bless each student here. Keep us from evil and keep evil from us.
And this semester he adds: and provide for the needs of each student here.
My car broke down...it still runs but I don't think its safe to drive. I live 20-30 minutes away from school and my prayer for the past 24 hours has been, "give me faith to believe that you will provide." I know He will. But I want my faith to be kept...firm. And I need help with that...so I ask Him to help me.
I'll let you know how things progress.
Pray for me if you get the chance.
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I miss you Jamie, your post made me smile. Gruffocity:) I haven't thought about how we are all in that place inbetween families...it's true isn't it? You girls, you Willits girls are part of my family that I am separated from. But not really. Because we've got a blog, and when I read it I smile, and I am grounded from my free-floating through life. And I will be praying for your car...reminds me of the man who said, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." I love that.
Love all around!
-Aimee
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