Blackbob Christmas
Posted by: Jeff Adams in Scriptural Application for Everyday Life, Social CommentaryBlackbob Elementary School is where Cheryl and I exercised our grand-parental responsibilities this evening. Kiersten, one of our grandchildren, was performing in her 5th grade choir.
Check out the redhead in the center!
Listening to the kids tonight, I thought about how fortunate they were to have a fairly sophisticated musical education at such an early age. Music was such an important part of my education and I cherish every memory. These kids had a teacher for band, a teacher for stringed instruments and still another choral teacher. I can’t remember that level of learning available in the fifth grade, but I sure was appreciative of whatever we had.
Tonight I was reminded how grateful we should be for dedicated teachers. The three teachers I observed displayed a love for both music and children. What draws them is certainly not the quality of music produced by fifth graders, but the opportunity to inject into the lives of children an appreciation for music that can be a positive influence for the rest of their lives. Sadly, in times of economic challenge, it is often the arts budget that gets cut.
Have you ever noticed the emphasis in the Bible that is given to the arts? The greatest artist of all is God himself. He has filled creation with beauty! Among the first vocations mentioned in Genesis are musicians and artists. Artists contributed to the magnificence of the Temple and David ordered musicians to fill the future Temple with praise. David was a musician, composer and poet himself. These examples are just for starts.
Here’s a salute to all of you wonderful teachers, no matter what subject you teach. Please know that there are many of us who are extremely thankful for what you do!
Email this postWhosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. Mark 9:37
Join me each day as I share what's bouncing around in my head and heart. I wish I had time to sit down with each of you over a good cup of coffee, but at least we can thank God for blogs! Oh! I'll take the coffee, too, whenever I can!
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How wonderful for you to have the privilege of grandchildren–and to be able to watch them grow up in such neat ways!
I should remind you that when you were in the fifth grade at Roosevelt Elementary School in Arkansas City, Kansas, you had a “traveling” music teacher who went to all eight or so elementary schools during the month and taught Tonette–the pre-band instrument. You were so gifted on the French Horn in your teen years you may never have bothered with a Tonette. But for singing, we all just had to make do with whatever our teachers in regular classes could offer. I’m glad there is more in many schools now.
I’m glad you had a fun evening!
Oh my word!!! The Tonette! How DO you remember such things? I probably made myself forget the Tonette. Or, maybe that’s just the suppressed childhood trauma that has twisted my life. I can see a great sermon illustration coming up to illustrated the horror of Hell – 500 fifth graders playing Jingle Bells on Tonettes!
You are right, we are blessed to have our children in a school with such wonderful teachers. Thank you for investing your time in our children’s lives – you and mom are the best grandparents EVER!!!!
Thanks, Sweetheart! We love you, too!