Things that make you go.....

Hmmmmmm. Or scare the crap out of you.

I am just about finished with my week of teacher in-service. Today and the rest of the week is mostly working in the rooms and staff meetings. Monday was the teacher retreat, and yesterday was a special presentation. In these 2 days, my head of rock 'em, sock 'em thoughts was in overdrive.

Monday's retreat was based on the book, Living Your Strengths. Each staff member was given a copy to keep. We were required to read the forwards, and intro (this one is a Catholic version). After reading, we had an access code in the back to go online and take a test on our strengths. Ok, I admit I was not that trilled. Especially when taking the test. There would be 2 statements and I had 20 seconds to choose which one strongly agreed with me, somewhat, or neutral. Some of those questions were off the wall. I though some were lame. Some didn't even fit me. For example: "You prefer working with adults or children." Honestly? Neither! Animals isn't an option? And yeah, I am a teacher. No its not my dream job, but hey, someone thinks its what I should be doing. So anyway, it gave us our to 5 strengths out of a total of 34. Here are mine and how the book defines them (well in my words- not typing all that):

Empathy: you can imagine yourself in another's situation; able to sense emotions and feelings; others are drawn to you when in need or have a problem. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.Romans 12:15

Restorative: good at figuring about what's wrong and solving Psalm 23:1-3

Developer: recognize potential in others, and encourage it

Responsibility: committed to values like loyalty, and honesty.You stick to your word, and if not, do whatever possible to make it up; apologies are not good enough, excuses are unacceptable.

Belief: have unchanging core values; what you do must be meaningful to you. Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord. Colossians 3:23-24

So at first I thought this was nothing much. But as we sat in our discussion groups and talked, I actually found that perhaps, just maybe, these were true? That these are hidden strengths/ talents that God gave me. I am interested in finishing the book. There is one specifically for teachers, Teaching to your Strengths, that I would like to read also (just incase I make a career out of this).

Ok, so that was the 'Hmmmmmmmm' part. Now for the care the crap out of you part. We had a presentation on Autism. I have read some on it, but what I learned yesterday, and some stuff I saw really scared me. I began to think, "Is Logan developing normally? Is he behind?" I know all mothers go through this, but seeing video footage of testing and the huge spectrum really freaked me out. Not to mention that it affects more boys than girls. I do have to say I didn't agree with one of the videos. How can you compare a 12 month old's development to that of a 20 month old? Of course things are going to be different! And what about home life? I am not making excuses, but just some of the things I saw I questioned. Logan doesn't wave hi or bye. Is that normal? Am I giving him all the tools he needs? I know Autism is not something that is learned, its neurological. But I can't help wonder if environment also plays a role. Anyway, I know people who have some form of Autism, or work with children who have it. I think I will have a couple of students too. But wow, was this a lecture I could have gone without the details. Like I need something else to worry about my little man.