(23.) D is for Developing in the Dark

(23.) D is for Developing in the Dark

It is no secret that every one of us was knit together in secret, hand-made by God in the depths, beyond view and comprehension. Our Creator doesn’t stop in the womb, though, for He continues weaving each person in the same mysterious way, from cradle to grave. This process of human growth is indeed a common mystery in all of nature, God causing each and every life to grow as He wills, in His timing, with His blessing. As Jesus says in an interesting little parable, “Night and day the seed sprouts and grows, though the farmer knows not how. All by itself the soil produces grain – first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.” (Mark 4:26-29). In other words, there are general rules of thumb useful in estimating the stages in this natural process, but it goes without saying that at some point every child is an exception to the rule. 

Because each child grows at God’s own pace, the effective teacher remains committed to keeping up with the latest in developmental research, the demands of their curriculum, and the changing make-up of each student. As one can imagine, this is a demanding aspect of sound pedagogy, because it asks the teacher to know who should know what, when! Developmentally speaking, then, a child cannot be “behind” or “ahead” of others his age. Learning is a complex process, not a competitive race, and we look for progress, not perfection. Direction matters; Speed doesn’t. In one hand we hold the truth that each child is utterly unique. In the other hand, we believe in a God-designed process of human development. With both hands, we seek to offer an inspiring education that loves and respects each child enough to allow his/her unfolding in God’s way and time. As you can see, teachers have their hands full.