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In Sync...

In Sync...
The art of teaching often asks the teacher to understand the students.  To understand the place in life that each student finds him or herself.  Occasionally, it is asked of the student to understand the teacher.  Albeit, this is much more difficult for the student for their simple lack of life experience.  My role as a teacher offers me several opportunities to explore who I am as a person.  Opportunities to help the younger generation find ways to learn, accept, understand and cope.  To do this I must stay in sync with my students and help them to stay in sync with me.
My wife and I like to keep busy.  It seems as though we move from one life event to another with lightning speed.  We do, however, take time to "stop and smell the roses".  It is in this stopping that we find we must sync with each other.  It's important. It's necessary.  It is who we are.
Children need time to sync with those who are most important to them.  Their lives change so rapidly.  Often, they do not understand the origins of that change or more so, the implications.  Taking any time at all to allow yourself to practice empathy with children, to walk a mile in their shoes, will serve to strengthen the existing relationship with them...to stay in sync.
My wife and I have been married for 4 years this past August.  We now have three children under 4 years of age, have lost several close family members in a short period of time, bought a house while still owning a previous one that wouldn't sell, purchased 3 different cars via trade-ins and loans (to keep up with the ever growing family), had our house on the market then off, and started a business. In all of this I have found that staying in sync is not something that is automatic.  Just as one has to "sync" their computer with various devices by plugging them in or clicking a button; we too, as human beings, must make the conscious effort to sync with those we love and care for.
Take a moment, take two moments.  Sync with your loved ones.  They need you as much as you need them
In Sync...
Mr. Casten
Jan. 13, 2011

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