Counselor’s Corner - April 2 Issue

Dear Gold-Miners,

This past week I traveled to the Northern California Conference to present to all teachers and pastors. Given my close vicinity to gold-mining territory, a day trip to Placerville mining country was a must. As I toured the depths of mountainside, I was struck with the deep, dark, treacherous conditions that were endured by treasure-seekers. Then later, when panning for gold in the mine shadows, I thought of how dirty and labor-intensive it has to find the smallest speck of golden promise.

You, teachers, are gold miners. Day and day out you serve as treasure-seekers, enduring the dirt of politics and the labor-intensive role of looking for the smallest speck of student promise. Some of you are feeling the weight of working in treacherous conditions with anxiety and depression (If this is you, please see my NCC presentations on Conflict Resolution Within Schools and Adult Brain Breaks: Intellectual Self-Care to Combat Anxiety and Depression). Yet, you keep digging for treasure, keep sifting for the gold, keep anticipating the wealth that is student growth and Jesus-service.

My final stop at Gold Bug Mine (use this 5 episode virtual field trip for your science rock unit!) was the authentic blacksmith shop where the grizzled blacksmith detailed the journey of gold hopefuls across the 1800's prairie. Through the mutual reliance and trials of the 6-8 month Go-West travels, love was inevitable and marriages made. Despite minimal resources, a symbol of commitment was needed, so the pioneer blacksmith created "The Perfect Circle." Using a simple, sharp-pointed nail, the artist would pound and heat it until is was smooth and malleable enough to be shaped into a ring. "Prairie Diamonds" as they were called, were then proudly worn as symbol of love in the midst of trials and tribulation.

You, Teacher, are creating "Perfect Circles" in your classrooms, despite some students being sharp and rough around the edges. Your investment in them to smooth them out and make them malleable, allows the True Artist to shape them into who He wants them to be. They are His Diamonds as He uses you shape them as He creates beauty from ashes. Thank you for the mining you do in your schools!

In the mines with you,
Mindy