Many of you have traveled through this past year's journey with me; a journey with mommy-ing, wife-ing, and teaching- a journey with plans that fell through- a journey with disappointing news and times for rejoicing.... a journey that in the end leaves me going back to work full time and guess what? I am really really excited!
I am anxious to meet the 21 students that I will be nurturing and teaching for the next 177 school days. I am so excited to dive in to being the only teacher in my classroom. I am ready to try a new reading program and see my 6 year olds fall in love with books. I believe this positive attitude is one that God so graciously put in my heart after He pointed me in a different direction than I had planned. Imagine that... God ultimately is in charge of the plans for my life! This summer I have spent many moments in prayer and in God's word and have peace without understanding. I know that this year will be busy but I know that through His strength I can do it. This verse has been my encouragement over the past few months:
" If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen"
1 Peter 4:11
Before I became I mother, I knew that God had designed me to be a teacher. My first year teaching was absolutely amazing.... a honeymoon period if you will, the next year I had too many hormones coming and going to know what I thought, and last year with the job-share I questioned if teaching was really my calling. In the end, it is so clear that I am still meant to teach (sharing is not so much part of my calling- haha). I have a passion for opening a door for these children, a door that is opened through education and positive relationships. I am teaching for an audience of one... I am teaching because that is so clearly the will that God has for my life. This year, through all the obstacles, I hope to show my students, their families, and my co-workers the love of Jesus. I have already started praying for this school year and my students by name. I want to intercede on their behalf if they don't know Him. Clearly, I don't teach at a private school where I can teach about my faith specifically but being in a community like Wilmore those conversations are often started by my students and I willingly participate. I want to serve them and their families because that is what IT is all about, loving people unconditionally, and my job is more than the perfect venue for this. I am excited to teach, I am excited to nurture, and I am excited to do it all while bringing glory to Him!
Cheers to a fabulous school year for all!!
