Time Out...

In so many ways I'm wrestling with God right now. I know, I know, wrestling is a losing battle with God, but I'm human and God knows my heart and it's all good. I got some news today that lifted my spirits tremendously, so that is a good thing. I did want to share my frustration of the day. I know, this blog is to lift us up, which is why I haven't blogged for a spell but this story is one that I think all teachers can relate to on some level.

Renaldo was in fine form today. I am now changing his name to Motormouth. I honestly think he's hitting puberty because his immaturity level is increasing, not decreasing. He's rubbing me the wrong way, and it is taking all I have in me not to holler at him. I work SO HARD these days to keep my tongue and heart in the right place.

So today in math we were doing our warm up problems before we entered in the new stuff for today, and he would not be quiet. I wanted to yell "Shut Up" but I knew that wouldn't be very professional. I asked him to be quiet twice and here's what followed:

Me:Motormouth go get a drink of water.
MM: What? I'm not even thirsty.
Me: I don't care, just go for a walk.
MM: Why?
Me: Because you won't be quiet for 30 seconds and I REALLY need a break from you.
MM: Why?
Me: Because at this point I am frustrated because you won't be quiet and if you don't step out I will say something I regret later.
MM: So I can get a drink while I'm at the water fountain?
***blank stare shot at MM at that moment.
MM: I'll get a really long drink.
Me: Good idea.

He came back in and was better. I really really needed a time out from him. He entered the classroom just in time for us to be grading the warm up so he didn't miss much. He was only gone for about 3 minutes, but it was just enough. Of course, at about 30 seconds into it, one of the other students said, "He's still gone." To which I replied, "I know. He's fine, I just need silence and you're not helping."

It's amazing how after that I had about 3 minutes of silence.
Just enough.
Praise God.
Later!