Outgrowing

My granddaughter has somehow gotten taller than I am. This seems impossible. I remember when she fit nicely into her daddy’s hand. As I ponder her outgrowing me, I recall an important lesson I learned in my teaching. Many years have passed since I moved from teaching elementary students to teaching high school. Well do I remember, facing that move, fearing I would have students who could draw better than I. Over the years, it has happened. People are differently gifted, and some of my students have had ability beyond mine in certain areas. But I have always been able to help them develop that skill, and to be part of its growth. As we have worked together, my unfounded fears subsided. It has been gratifying to me to see them develop and blossom. My students have taken what they learned from me and from other teachers, and have soared, some beyond where I am. My heart is warmed, and I am blessed to have been a small part of their success.