Learning Takes Time


As you can see, I was horrible at telling time. My elementary school peers figured out those clock hands, but it took me longer.

Much longer.

So, every August, when I see all the back-to-school signs, I get that familiar pit in my stomach.

That pit is for all the kids like me, who struggle in school.

I remember one day when the classroom door opened and a smiling lady called my name.

We walked hand in hand to a small room and sat together. She had a big cardboard clock and she took my hands and placed them on the plastic clock hands.

There were no red ink pens with angry check marks. Just her smile and patient, “Try again.”

We went to our special room and worked side by side for weeks.

I doubt I thanked her. It was just part of school to me. But it made all the difference.

As kids head back to classrooms, I feel for you. 

Learning isn’t always easy. So, I pray for you and your teachers.

Especially the teachers who show up with a smile, encouragement, and, like it was for me, a big cardboard clock.




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