A Movie, The Moon, and Shining like Stars

I am a list maker.  A lot of times my lists do not get checked off entirely...but making them helps me organize my thoughts.  So if you viewed my "Yearly Goals" tab at the top of the blog you saw some movies that I wanted to watch this year.  And last night I watched one (and it is still January)!  Feels good to check it off the list; especially because it was a feel good movie.

My friend Laurie suggested I watch the movie, A Smile As Big As The Moon, and last night I did.  For those of you who don't know I was a special education teacher for four years, before Darling Daughter was born.  I really liked my job, challenges and all; yet it feels like it was so long ago.  This movie reminded me of some of the good times I had teaching.

One of my favorite memories is teaching an Introduction to Theatre class.  We took an abridged version of Romeo & Juliet and turned it into a play.  We worked really hard on it.  It was not perfect by any means, but the students really stretched themselves.  They were costumes and long curly wigs, sword fights and dancing; and drama, both on and off stage.  It was a rewarding experience.  If you haven't seen The Ringer you should watch it.  At the end they too do a performance of Romeo & Juliet too.

The photos in this post are from our homeschool co-op Christmas play.  I am so thankful for Miss Jessica and the quality teachers that our kids are blessed to have; and how bright they shine under their care and encouragement!

My take-away from A Smile As Big As The Moon, is to follow through on crazy and creative ideas that you believe in; especially when it benefits those who wouldn't normally get to experience such a thing.  I remember when I was applying for special education jobs.  I asked an faculty adviser what he thought about the rural school I was considering.  He said something like, "I think you could do better/get a job in a more prestigious area."  I know he was being honest, which is what I had asked for.  But, I remember thinking, "Don't these kids deserve a quality teacher too?"

When I have gone to the doctor or a hospital in a rural area (where I live), I have often thought this same thing.  I surely hope there is a talented and quality doctor here that is willing to set aside prestige and ego to serve those here who really need their help.

I remember one field trip when we drove down to city a few hours away and saw Les Miserables on stage. Some of the students said that they had never been that far out of their hometown!  It was such a privilege to witness them experiencing new and exciting things; making their world a bit bigger and grander than it had been.

This theme runs throughout the movie and I encourage you to watch it.

I was reminded that no matter how many or few students I am teaching (right now it is our mainly our 3 kiddos), it is my job to help them reach beyond what they think is possible and stretch themselves creatively; dreaming big dreams.

There was a quote I had my students paint on the wall of our classroom, "Reach for the moon; if you miss, you will stand land among the stars!"