Thankful for a reminder...

Sometimes I seem to get lucky... or fortunate... the Calvinist in me suggests that the powerful hand of providence hits me in the face! But every once in a while I will stumble on something... generally an idea or a reading... that will reignite a powerful message of something I have previously learned and considered. Kiernan provides the welcome gift this time through her delightful and insightful blog post on John Henry Newman's Fifth Discourse from The Idea of a University. Like Kiernan, I too was obsessing over the real purpose of liberal education during the spring semester of our junior year. Also like Kiernan, the rug was pull from beneath my feet with Newman's answer and exposition as to what "knowledge for it's own sake" truly means. I have come to despise the way our modern minds think of education. This is a disease that can hardly be blamed on my soulless, utilitarian seventh graders. Proponents of vocational, useful, and efficient education seem to have won the cultural battle over the definition and purpose of education. For now I guess this makes me more determined to present a different perspective regardless of whether twelve year olds can grasp a different concept. Yet as for me, a good reminder of the purpose of liberal education and the development of a philosophic habit of mind was a welcome encouragement against the discouraging tide of utilitarianism in education. And yes, I still love my job for no matter how hard it has been, teaching the subject I love to great kids make each day an exciting and a rewarding challenge.

Additionally Kiernan and Julie's recent posts about their Hillsdale experiences were great reminders of my own experience at school. Settling into life post-Hillsdale, while not easy, has been smoother than expected. I miss the people even more than I thought I would and hope to see many of them sooner rather than later. But it is not like there is too big of a void post-Hillsdale. I am thankful for the new changes in my life including my job, Nichole, and a new church family. This will be the first time away from my family for the holiday season. For some of my Hillsdale friends, returning home for Thanksgiving and perhaps even Christmas, did not happen every year during college. I remember feeling bad for them considering that if I were in their position it would be a bit difficult not being with family. This year it is my turn to be away... I am certainly thankful for close friends in the area here to spend Thanksgiving with. But it will not be the same. Maybe that is ok... but still... it is a weird adjustment.

We have school Monday, Tuesday, and a half day on Wednesday this week. Break will be so wonderful indeed. A Blessed Thanksgiving to you all!