Teaching can be done with a preset list of objectives that one teaches or feeds to the students. The students consume the material and the outcome is relatively predictable. I have noticed that both my students and I have felt particularly enriched however when we are faced with surprising facts or situations which have led to a novel outcome. These are often the times when my lesson plans do not go as planned, when the students are late, when they walk in after a defeating test in another class or have found out they have a free period after English. Instead of holding on to my plan for dear life and instead of feeling like a failure at the turn of events, I am learning to accept the change and see what opportunity is present. I can even go into the classroom knowing that this is the arena where change will take place if I make room for it. Again it brings me back to being receptive to the actual situation.