ABOUT PASSION PART 2

Here is my response to my former student's question about passion.

I am passionate about being a small part of a bigger picture. I suppose that's what the banner at the top of my blog is all about.

Let me explain.

Recently, I have taken up the game of bridge. I have read 5 or 6 books on the game and play on-line for about two hours a day. That's an interest, not a passion.

I have also taken to writing a set of lessons for a few friends about the game, to share my knowledge and help them with their play.  If love is about willing the good of others, then these lessons are my attempt to love them into the good card place where I live. Their new found success is my delight;  their happiness becomes my happiness. 

Going back to my teaching career, it was my passion to pass along my love of math to my students. The math was the vehicle that drove my passion....to open a door that otherwise might have remained closed for a student like yourself. Being a small part of your bigger picture was my passion back then. 

Not sure if that explains it. I guess my passion is to be authentic to my gift for teaching; to give the best part of myself to others and expect nothing in return, that's the gold standard. I'm not sure if I can ever truly measure up to that standard but it is in the striving that I learn and grow.

Indeed, I wonder if your question also relates obliquely to the Passion of that someone who carried a big cross up a hill.

Do keep in touch,

I love questions where the answers don't appear at the back of a book.

In friendship,

Mike