There is a word in Genesis 1:20 that continually captures my imagination: “And God said, ‘Let the water teem with living creatures.’” Various Bible translations use the words “swarm” or “abound” in lieu of “teeming”. The original Hebrew word is pronounced sharats and means “to wriggle”. I imagine that when a scientific mind hears the word teeming, they likely think about abundance, variety, and diversity. Biblical scholars will say that teeming is often related closely to multiplication, blessing, and overflow. When I think of teeming, I think of a flock of birds, a swarm of ants on the sidewalk, or the crowds on a hot summer day at Niagara Falls – moving, messy, and in many ways uncontrollable. All of these aspects of “teeming” are what excite me as a leader; they are often what frustrate me, too!
Diverse and varied ~ Think of the students in the school in which you lead. Oh, the variety and diversity. Some students are gregarious or flamboyant, standing out in the crowd. Some demand our attention through their actions or words. Others are serious and somber, often quiet and going unnoticed. Some crave social interaction and collaboration. Some naturally look for their own space to think, reflect, and process. Some of our students shine when given creative freedom, staring down a blank page. To the other extreme, some look bewildered if we don’t give them structure, scaffolding, and a template to follow. Classrooms and hallways teem with all sorts of students.
Moving and messy ~ In any given student body, you can identify students who display the fruits of the Spirit. Sasha is such a patient girl. Cody brings such joy to group work. Benny is a gentle friend. On the flip side, we could walk the halls of our school and quickly identify students who are struggling with many of the seven deadly sins. The slothful student that cannot finish their work. The lustful, proud, and envious students who tear down the positive school culture we are trying to build. “Teeming” is often moving, messy, and uncontrollable.
The teeming nature of our students is both thrilling and overwhelming at times. It is no different with our staff, volunteers and parents, who have the same “teeming” qualities: diverse, awe-inspiring, and unpredictable. We often hear that a certain teacher was just what a certain student needed. It is amazing how a staff member can make a meaningful connection and impact where other teachers could not. That is something to celebrate in our schools; thank the Lord for teeming. However, an unruly staff doing their own thing and paddling in different directions could be the bane of an administrator. Similarly, we often rejoice at the variety of denominations represented in a school, a picture of God’s Kingdom. But the “teeming” can get messy if we wade too deeply into theology and Biblical interpretation or application.
It’s May, and we are in the home stretch of our school year. We pray that God will allow us to cherish all the moments of “teeming” that come our way – at membership meetings, field trips, track and field days, graduations, professional development days and everything in between. Even our youngest students know God’s perspective on the teeming creatures of the sea: it was good! May we take the same attitude as leaders. While we can’t control the wriggling and teeming, we can take moments to pause, give thanks and keep our eyes on the beauty and impact of Christian education.
Scott Beda is the Upper Grand Cohort Leader, and is COO/Principal at Cambridge Christian School.