Conejo Adventist^® Elementary School

Over the Christmas break, I watched “The Biggest Little Farm.” I don’t know how many of you have seen the movie, but it is about a family who purchases a farm far from functioning and attempt to turn it around into a productive farm. When the movie first came out, I wanted to see it because I love documentary movies and the farm is located right here in Moorpark. 
 
I was impressed with the cinematography of the movie but even more so with the determination of the family. The movie takes place over a span of several years and I don’t want to give anything away, but the obstacles they faced during those years would most likely have been too much for me to push on toward the goal. It made me think a lot about our current culture of instant gratification. In the struggle, the family learned, the farm changed, and in the end the goal was achieved. 
 
I’ve had many conversations with myself since watching the movie. Do I allow my students to struggle with the process of learning enough to solidify the concept I’m teaching? Do I let my own children struggle when learning an instrument or a sport or some other new activity to reach a point of success? Or do I allow my child to give up and move on because of the struggle? Do I try to smooth the path for my children so life is easy? Do I rob my children of a sense of accomplishment by removing obstacles in front of them? Do I accept a challenge in life placed before me? Or do I choose an easier route? 
 
I’m inspired by this movie to live in the struggle and let my children and students struggle enough to learn. It might not be pleasant but we will never reap the reward of success without a struggle.
 
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 MSG