You Can’t Pour From An Empty Cup

This past Tuesday during our monthly school board meeting a middle school teacher gave testimony as part of a larger presentation on instruction to students learning English as a second language.  You knew instantly when she began speaking she had a message worth hearing and by the end of her speech she received a standing ovation.  I’m not talking about the polite gesture folks engage in out of compliance and being nice, where it’s that domino effect when one person stands, then another, then another, slowly but surely until everyone is standing only to sit back down.  I’m talking about a shared response that timed its immediacy with its enthusiasm.  She was just that good.  I don’t want to draw too much attention to her but for those familiar with navigating our website I can’t stop you from checking out the video.  The body of the entire presentation was plenty polished but when this teacher spoke you just listened.  She shared with the audience an artifact posted in her classroom which reminded her students of four truths spoken through the student voice:

• I am important.
• What we are learning is important.
• I can do it.
• My teacher will not give up on me.

I gave my own speech today to students placed at our disciplinary alternative campus and largely borrowed truth #4.  It’s an interesting dynamic because on the one hand students placed there have consequences needing to be enforced but at the same time they need to stay connected, current, and in good standing.  They also need reminders – lots of them – and I’m not talking about rules.  The kids I spoke with today were mostly kids of color, have had their share of ups and downs in school, may or may not be looking forward to the holiday break, but they all deserve to feel valued and respected.

This leads me to the title for this entry.  At the beginning of this month, December 1st to be exact, Rev. Howard-John Wesley of the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Va., told his congregation he was going on sabbatical.  In an emotional sermon shared with congregants, the reverend acknowledged he was tired.  While his message was certainly a churchly one, the overarching theme transcends its religious base.  If you are interested, you can watch the recording in its entirety by clicking the screen grab below.

But Rev. Wesley makes a key distinction between being tired and being exhausted.  He contends “exhausted is right before burnout” and that he is still excited about pastoring his church but in order to lead it he needs to be refilled.  And in his own words a nap is not going to fix his tiredness.  He needs to rest.  At one point during the sermon in full throttle energy mixed with humor he exclaims “it is ungodly not to use up all your vacation days.”  But he did not make light of the goals he has for himself and his candor was remarkably brave.  He charged his church family with being courageous, trusting, persistent, faithful, and prayerful in his absence.  And by the end he too received a standing ovation.

As we draw this semester to a close, Selah.  It’s the term spoken throughout Rev. Wesley’s sermon meaning to pause and reflect, to rest.  Take time to refill and recharge, and recommit to this important work.