Interlude

“I’m not motivated”
Sighs the student at 5:30 pm
It’s already dark outside
Just the two of us in the classroom

“Why do you say that?”
I wonder
(I’m her teacher and it’s my job to dole out wisdom)

“Oh, at home I just listen to music and ignore my work.”
(Silence
Silence
Silence)

“Maybe you are tired?”
I offer
“I mean the hours in school are already a full time job.”

“Yeah!”
She gets it

“Maybe you just like music more than your homework?”
A hopeful suggestion of sorts

“Yup!”
(That too)

“So maybe you actually are motivated but even more tired
and you really love music?”
“I guess. But I’m falling behind in my work.”

“What do you think about listening to music and doing your homework at the same time?”
“I could try that! And maybe go to bed earlier.”

“Let me know how it goes, ok?”
“Yah, sure, thanksss!”

“How about switching it from I’m not motivated to: I love music and I’m amazing?’”
“Ok, gonna try that!”

“And so will I!”
“Ha! You?”

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”  ~Proverbs 25:11