Six tries. One hit.

I don’t have any pictures for this one, but it’s yet another memory from our public school teaching that stands out in my memory. After lunch break, the school became very quiet. Many teachers as well as the students were taking their nap as usual, but one teacher extended the invitation to spin tops.

Now tops in Taiwan are no ordinary tops. They’re wooden, acorn-shaped things, bigger than a large apple. If you wrap the rope around one and throw it just right, it can spin for quite a while. This teacher was an expert. After his diligent instruction I felt like I was an expert too! Then came the test. Out of the sports room came a pedestal, about four feet tall and topped with a flat, turf-covered disk, about one foot in diameter and bordered with a small rim. To my amazement, with a flick of the wrist my teacher friend had one, two tops spinning on the pedestal. It was quite a sight.

Then it was my turn. First try: too much to the right. Second: to the left. Third and fourth: too far. Maybe it was my long arms. But he said I was reaching the right way and scooted the pedestal out a couple inches. Boom: on the fifth try my top was spinning on the pedestal. That was a sight too.

When the bell rang, a ten-minute break had begun and students began to circle around. Then the teacher suggested we both try one after the other. Of course he put his up without any problem. My top was wound. I held it the right way. I kept my arm straight, swung–and missed!

So so far my success rate was one to six. Enthusiastically, the teacher encouraged me to try it again. It took a little time to wind up the rope. I held the end of it securely between my second and third fingers, then put my thumb in the right place and held firm. “Arm straight … Reach”, I remembered. The break time was drawing short and I had the feeling it would be our last try. The teacher went first. Bingo. His top was on the pedestal, spinning beautifully. And mine?

Now, wait a minute. Do you think I would be writing up this long post if it were just a miss?! Of course it was a hit. That sight of his top and my top spinning on the pedestal together is still clearer than a photograph for me. In the background I can still almost hear the students laughing and cheering. That sight “topped” it off.

And shall I take the credit? No way. It’s a God-given love for others that makes one do their best in little things. And even more than that, it’s the diligence of a teacher, determined that his student can learn, that goes a very long way. Diligent students in Taiwan reflect diligent teachers in Taiwan who make it their responsibility to see that learning takes place. Whether you’re a teacher in some ways or a student in some ways, or both, I hope you’re encouraged by this post. Keep trying. Be diligent. At the right time your character will be rewarded.