I have done a great deal of observation in the past few weeks and months. I have frequently observed that the part of the lesson that is arguably most crucial is the part of the lesson that is given the least amount of attention in our preparation. I am referring to the practices. I have been guilty of this on numerous occasions, and it's amazing/alarming how much I have learned about myself through observation. I have been guilty of planning my speech or my innovative/catchy way of introducing the lesson while neglecting to give adequate thought and preparation to how the missionaries practices will be structure and geared towards powerful experience and fulfillment of the objective.
I feel that there are a couple major reaons for which we fall into this trap. One, we don't trust the missionaries enough to let them learn on their own, or two, we trust ourselves excessively in believing that we can transfer our understanding to the missionaries.
I think these are to be overcome by trusting our Father to teach His missionaries, and handing them over to Him in their studies and practices. I think it comes by being humble enough to let the missionaries learn from the Master Teacher, instead of ourselves. I think it comes as we study and trust the curriculum and follow it closely, without being confined to it. The curriculum is designed to put learning into the missionaries' hands. As we prepare for the missionaries' learning, as opposed to preparing solely for our teaching, we will more carefully and deliberately structure their practices and studies to be the most crucial part of class.
I love this work!
CJ Bacon
