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Weeks Twenty-One & Twenty-Two Quote of the Year Scripture of the Week: It's one of America's most enduring qualities, I suppose. Responsible for the arrival of the earliest settlers to our shores, this American trait has also been the impetus for scientific advancement, literary innovation, and the Great California Gold Rush of 1849. Conversely, it has torn apart marriages and brought the nation (as well as the entire world)to the brink of financial collapse. The Industrial Revolution in the United States is a direct result of this distinctly American quality. As you've probably already guessed, I'm writing about discontent. To an extent greater than anywhere else in the world, Americans are raised to look ahead, to attempt the impossible, and to pursue the golden ring of prosperity, opportunity, and success. This national obsession with what we haven't yet achieved defines us, leading the United States to the forefront of global leadership. Robert Kennedy put it succinctly: "There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?" Discontent for the status quo has made us the nation we are. Yet, the darker side of this American characteristic is that very few are also content with the astonishing amount of blessings that God has given us. Whatever our situation, we want "more", "different", or "something else". We don't savor our gifts. We just want more of them. My World Literature class has been studying literature from Africa the last couple of weeks. Many of the literary pieces under study have reflected the poverty and violence that have long plagued that continent, accepting its inevitability with sadness. One theme, in particular, continually seems to be present, regardless of the story under study: prioritize your values and be grateful for what you have, regardless of the challenges you face. It's good to strive for excellence. It's God-pleasing to use our minds, our bodies, and our talents to enhance our lives and the lives of those around us. Yet, to be constantly discontented with our lives is, ultimately, to be disrespectful toward God and damaging to our outlook on life. The simple truth is that in the pursuit of everything, nothing will be good enough. Take a moment to catalog the gifts, benefits, and blessings that are already yours. Savor them. As the author of Hebrews reminds us above, the Almighty Lord promises to care for us and provide for our needs. Anything beyond that provision is blessing, pure and simple. Let's learn! Together, with you, in His service,
Eighth Grade Language Arts Monday (2/6): Grammar Monday (2/13): Grammar Literary Genre (English I) Monday (2/6): Mythology & You Wrap-Up Day Monday (2/13): The Princess Bride American Literature (English II) Monday (2/6): Introduction to Samuel L. Clemons Monday (2/13): Be sure to have read Huckleberry Finn, Chapters 13-16; Quiz British Literature (English III) Monday (2/6): Be sure to have read Lord Byron (L: 716-726); Quiz Monday (2/13): Be sure to have read John Keats (L: 744-756); Quiz World Literature (English IV) Monday (2/6): Be sure to have read African Poets (L: 313-315; 556-557); Quiz Monday (2/13): The Sad Tale of Dante Alighieri Advanced Placement English Monday (2/6): Be sure to have read Picture from the Past (L: 414-415); Quiz Monday (2/13): Examination: "Picture from the Past"
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| Mr. Smith's Classroom Documents |
| Literature 8 |
| Literary Genre |
| World Literature |
| American Literature |
| AP English |
| British Literature |
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Weeks One & Two Quote of the Week Scripture of the Week: It is hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that we're starting up a new school term. Way back in early June, the Summer Vacation seemed to stretch toward infinity; there was more than enough time for trips to Disneyland, reading great masterpieces of literature, and essential afternoon naps. I celebrated each moment since then, imprinting memories and storing the sensations of each adventure. As conscientious as I was about taking nothing for granted, the days ticked away unstoppably - shortening the infinity-days into a matter of weeks...then days. And so, find myself writing the weekly blog for you today. There's a lesson in there, I reckon. At this juncture of the semester, the school term seems to stretch impossibly far into our immediate future. Yet, as I just discovered, even the longest-appearing timeframes eventually descends into a matter of weeks, days, and hours. In the not too distant future, we'll be staring across the abyss of another Summer Vacation - a year older and, if we both do our jobs correctly, a year more intelligent, faith-centered, and confident. At least, that's the hope. Savor your year. Make the most of your experiences. Stretch yourself. Don't end up short at the end of the school term, wishing you had done more...or had done better. You'll be happier for the effort, I promise you. (Yawn.) I'm really missing my afternoon nap. Let's learn! Together, with you, in His service,
Eighth Grade Language Arts Monday (8/29): Course Expectations Monday (9/5): Labor Day (No School) Literary Genre (Freshman English) Monday (8/29): Course Expectations Monday (9/5): Labor Day (No School) American Literature (Sophomore English) Monday (8/29): Course Expectations Monday (9/5): Labor Day (No School) British Literature (Junior English) Monday (8/29): Course Expectations Monday (9/5): Labor Day (No School) World Literature (Senior English) Monday (8/29): Course Expectations Monday (9/5): Labor Day (No School) Advanced Placement English Monday (8/29): Summer Reading Submission; "Reading with Authors in Mind" Monday (9/5): Labor Day (No School)
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| Mr. Smith's Classroom Documents |
| Literature 8 |
| Literary Genre |
| World Literature |
| American Literature |
| AP English |
| British Literature |
"I want to know all Gods thoughts; all the rest are just details." Albert Einstein
It's here. Finally.
I don't know about the rest of you, but (for me, at least) it was a tough slog getting through the last few weeks of school. Yep. Even teachers battle senioritis. Praise be to Our Good Lord Above, He has brought us to this moment, where the Summer Break seems to stretch endlessly ahead. I can use the rest...and I have a feeling that you can, too.
Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2010. I will miss your contributions to my day, your good nature, and your care toward each other. You have my respect...and my love. May God Himself continue blessing you always.
As for the rest of us, enjoy your time away from the classroom. Sadly, the Summer Break that seems so lengthy in June has a way of shrinking after only a few days. Rest! Recreate! Read!
Blessings on all you do this summer. I'll see you soon.
Together, with you, in His service,
KGSmith
PS: I don't check school e-mail during the Summer Break, so if you need to contact me, call the school office. They can contact me at home.
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