The Teacher from Nazareth
We're staying on the hill traditionally locating the home of Mary and Joseph. A strong Christian presence remains in the city with a Don Bosch school just above us, alongside the Church of the Adolescent Jesus. Where would he have been taught? In one of the public schools of today following an Israeli government curriculum? Or in one the mission schools struggling to survive with state subsidy, but who have a proud history of helping preserve Arab culture and language against the attempts by the Ottomans to enforce Turkish as the medium of instruction? Sound familiar to a South African government trying the same thing 50 years ago?
But then he comes to the lake by Galilee where he shares some very simple truths that are at the heart of the faith - happiness is found in the simplicities of life. The 22 of us sit under a flamboyant tree surrounded by vibrant bougainvillea, with the sound of birdsong above and our son stands up to read: .... blessed are the peacemakers and the rest of the beatitudes. (He's one of them awaiting the outcome of a UN General Assembly vote due today). And the people of the US are casting their votes for a leader who's been promising them things a lot different in campaigns in recent weeks. Give me the teacher from Nazareth any day.
But I'm also grateful for many of those who've taught me over the years - the primary school teacher who named me for a scholarship; Cecil Clement who inspired me to write better and aim high; Frank Forman, the gentlest of physicians; Bill Metcalf, theology. I could continue - Ken Maguswi, Tonga. But the teachers of today remain relevant - a daughter and a son, friends, grandchildren - even an art teacher. I'm still learning. And this adventure is another learning experience, but also great fun.
But then he comes to the lake by Galilee where he shares some very simple truths that are at the heart of the faith - happiness is found in the simplicities of life. The 22 of us sit under a flamboyant tree surrounded by vibrant bougainvillea, with the sound of birdsong above and our son stands up to read: .... blessed are the peacemakers and the rest of the beatitudes. (He's one of them awaiting the outcome of a UN General Assembly vote due today). And the people of the US are casting their votes for a leader who's been promising them things a lot different in campaigns in recent weeks. Give me the teacher from Nazareth any day.
But I'm also grateful for many of those who've taught me over the years - the primary school teacher who named me for a scholarship; Cecil Clement who inspired me to write better and aim high; Frank Forman, the gentlest of physicians; Bill Metcalf, theology. I could continue - Ken Maguswi, Tonga. But the teachers of today remain relevant - a daughter and a son, friends, grandchildren - even an art teacher. I'm still learning. And this adventure is another learning experience, but also great fun.
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