THE WELLS OF TODAY | May Clinkscales, Class of 2019
In Biblical times, people were compelled to come each day to a well, that critical source of life-giving water. Now, compulsory education requires students to also come to schools each day. And four years in the classroom has shown me that today’s schools can be a similar source of life, that is the dignity and equal opportunity rendered by an excellent education.
The LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people together, so that I may give them water.”
-Numbers 21:16-17
Perhaps my favorite moment of each day was actually before any instruction began. At Berclair Elementary, a staff member was assigned to each entrance for ‘morning duty.’ Around 7:45am, a line would begin to form. Each student was greeted by name and given breakfast before gathering in a homeroom, that familial space where learning commenced. This time felt sacred, ritualistic even. The diversity of color, creed, and language filtering past me was inescapable—the Memphis native and the Muslim refugee, Hispanic, Black, Arabic, all came. Some felt thirsty for knowledge; others were parched but reluctant. All were bursting with potential. As the school year progressed, so did the various relationships amongst the students. The classroom became a family, with all the associated friction and affection. In the same way God used a basic need to gather a diverse nation and family, that He might display his mighty hand of provision.
“So [Hagar] called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi.”
-Genesis 16:13-14
Antonius worked hard his entire second grade year to gain a basic understanding of phonics. I was immensely proud of his efforts and gains, however by the Spring he was still unable to read fluently. I watched in concern as he began third grade, recognizing the critical nature of this deficit and its threat to his academic success. A few months into his third grade year, he showed up at my classroom door with a decodable reader in his hands, his eyes bright with excitement as he quickly read its words aloud. His newfound sense of dignity and confidence was palpable. The water overflowed.
“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.”
-Isaiah 44:3
The classroom at times felt like a dry and thirsty ground. In these moments I reminded myself that God has struck the Rock and has brought forth his Living Water. This is the Spirit which nourishes the soul, which motivates and empowers us to continue returning to the well.
May Clinkscales, Class of 2019
