[od-uh-see]
–noun, plural -seys for 2.
1) an epic poem attributed to Homer, describing Odysseus's adventures in his ten-year attempt to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.
2) a long series of wanderings or adventures, especially when filled with notable experiences, hardships, etc.
It feels as if I may currently be living out Homer's epic poem--but alas no...I've simply been making a dream of my 10 year old a possibility. Early in this school year I began on a series of wanderings (i guess you could call them adventures) with a group of 4th and 5th graders. We have definitely had some notable experiences...as well as a few hardships. And I don't think I would trade a minute of it! Because I have had the enormous undertaking honor and privilege of coaching an Odyssey of the Mind team.
Oh sure! I have wanted to run away on more than one occasion. I have wanted to scream...in fact I am sure I have. More than once. I have had to bite my tongue. I have cried. I my heart has swelled with pride. I have missed more than a few hours of sleep. I have thought and rethought. I have had to (emotionally) prepare and repair.
It has been the single greatest thing I think I've ever been involved in. Honestly. No joke.
Why would I voluntarily give up sleep? Why would I give up a day off from work to coach 6 children--ages 9 & 10 year? Anyone that knows me knows that I value sleep. It is more valuable than diamonds or gold (and these days gasoline). Anyone that has spent more than 15 minutes with me knows that I don't particularly like 4th and 5th grade children. I would offer Exhibit A--"the Sunday School fiasco of 2002" as evidence.
Here's my motivation. It's pretty simple. I have seen a tremendous change in these kids. I don't just mean my child. They have all changed. They are confident. They are creative beyond imagination! They impress me every single time I am around them--in some way or another. They are becoming more polished (refined and cultured) by this process. I am becoming more polished by this process. I will never be "polished" as in "refined and cultured" but I am being made "smooth." Once again I find that my rough edges are being worn away. I am having to bend...and in my willingness to bend, I am finding my passion. Once again I am able to see people (not just people--but 4th and 5th graders) heart to heart.
This little adventure I've been on is a good thing. In a lot of ways every way.
There I said it!
