Getting geared up for this year reminds me so much of all of the feels I had this time last August. Overwhelmed doesn't even begin to describe it! To all of those new teachers out there: JUST BREATHE! I promise the hugs and love you receive from your nuggets because you cared for them deeply and individually will surpass the number of times you nailed a lesson.
This year at Wallace, we're working on making our students feel loved, safe, and important by teaching them more about Social and Emotional Health, establishing stronger classroom communities, and working to support each other as teachers in our mission. I'm so excited to be a part of this and I can't wait to update you on the year's progress.
My grandmother, a master educator, always tells me that this job is a calling. We are called to hold the hands of these kids. We are called to push ourselves daily to be better teachers and counselors and paraprofessionals and administrators. We are called to lead and guide our students so that they learn more than just arithmetic and the states of matter. Just as we are called to serve in this way, we are also called by Him. My girlfriends and I are working through the Jennie Allen study, "Restless." It has given lots of clarity about purpose and using our dreams, talents, and interests to figure out what we were made for. It's a wonderful study for anyone who is looking for something new! I've learned through this study that everyone has gifts. Hearing my friends talk about things they are passionate about and talk through how that might lead to something greater for Him is just so inspiring. In discussing gifts and services, teaching has been mentioned many times as a strength of mine and something that others enjoy as well. We sometimes forget that we have the opportunity every day to show God to at least 20 or 30 smiling faces in our classrooms. We are so lucky that we're able to let His light shine through our actions and words. This year, when you've been up at school until 8:00 several nights in a row and you're so frustrated with that one child, I challenge you to step back, take a breath, and remember that whatever your response is, it should reflect well on Him.
I love 2 Timothy because Paul is a rockstar. That man really had a way with words! Throughout this book of the Bible, he gives advice and encouragement to Timothy because he knows there is great suffering to come. Paul preaches about service and the importance of knowing why you serve and how to serve well. When I think about new opportunities of service, like meeting and working with my brand new students on Monday, I can't pretend that I'm not a little nervous. I'm not heading into completely unchartered waters because I have a year under my belt, but there is still so much that is up in the air about how the school year will play out. I (We) can choose to approach this year with fear and a lack of confidence, or we can be bold and brave and grow through our faith in Him. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds us to stand strong and firm in the face of adversity and to gather strength from our Lord, Jesus Christ.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
The power of the Holy Spirit is just that: a power. It can help us grow through things instead of shrinking down and letting opposition or conflict defeat us. God wants us to stand firm and strong, just as His son did, while we are doing His work. The Holy Spirit lives IN us. It guides our steps and carries us. This year, when you are at the crossroads of letting people or obstacles fog your spirit, remember that we have help. Approach this year confidently and courageously, knowing that He is making those footprints in the sand right next to you. You are not on your own. However, that's a great karaoke song, thus explains the title of this post.
And now... Some of my favorite parts of Room 63!
Through Faith in Him and the Fifth,
Meg