Hot Seat

Each day we work through Greek sentences taking them apart to translate them. More than guessing what it says by recognizing definitions of key words, it involves explaining WHY it is translated in that way.

So it was my turn. I was working hard on it - and spontaneously said to the class, "Come on, Guys, help me out here!" Our devos are on the Beatitudes so I called them BLESSED if they showed me some mercy!

And they did, in a great, light-hearted way. The prof was also prompting and encouraging me - and it was coming together.

But the prof was looking for one more significant explanation regarding one word. He kept reframing his question, hoping a light would go on. I finally said, "I don't think you can pull it out of me!"

Since the class was in on this and they, too, were not providing the correct answer, he finally gave it. Then he said, "I'm sorry to have kept you on the hot seat so long..."

Here's the cool thing: it never felt like a hot seat. I did not feel embarrassed as I slowly worked my way through it nor pressured by my peers (AM I their peer!). Instead it evolved into a really fun experience that pulled us all together. The laughter was so refreshing.

It can be cool to be on the hot seat! Hope I feel the same way the next time.