Breathe

Before I left school for Christmas vacation, I told a co-worker I was excited to go on break so I could breathe. She looked at me a little confused until I explained it meant I wanted to relax. I had been so wrapped up in school and holiday activities, I couldn’t remember the last time I sat and did nothing.

While I was on vacation, I had the opportunity to work on a writing project. With a soon approaching deadline, I had to switch from teacher mode to full blown writer mode. Although this required a lot of work, it was one of the best things that could have happened to me because it reminded me of something: I’m not just a teacher.

I consider it a privilege to be able to have a job that I also feel is my calling for the moment, and it has become a lot of my identity. Submerging myself in my writing the past two weeks has helped me remember that it’s not my only one. I’m also a writer, a sister, a daughter…a child of God.

In order to be a better teacher in 2014 I need to remember my other identities. Teaching is a rewarding profession, but like any job, if you let it consume you, it can leave you drained. And who wants an overtired teacher who’s only keeping her eyes open because she’s drank 3 cups of coffee that morning? Not this lady. And probably not the kids either.

I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions, but I do want to start my year differently. I want to be able to breathe. With prayer and determination I move forward to be a better time manager, to be more organized, and to mentally leave school at the end of the day.

What are you doing differently this year?

Oceans

I love teaching kids.  I love finding creative approaches to lessons, seeing that light bulb moment on a student’s face, and of course those silly moments when a kid says or does something that just makes you break down laughing.  I have had a couple of those moments this year, but I’ve also had a lot of challenges.  It’s been 6 weeks, and feeling completely drained I’ve been struggling with the thought “I can’t do this.”  Well, I’m right. I can’t do this, but God reminded me during worship this morning that it’s not just me doing this.  We’re doing this.

“Oceans” by Hillsong United

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

So I’m calling upon His name this week.

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.  About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.  When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

Matthew 14:24-33 NLT

 

Like Peter, I’ve started to sink, but I’m reaching out and I know God is going to not only catch me, but pull me up on top of the waters.

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

The waters are my classroom and the waves are five million and one things but when you your feet fail, call upon His name and He’ll be there.  Well, He’s always there, you’ll just remember to take His hand.