Monday Morning Meditation

Psalm 16:7-9

"I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
    in the night also my heart instructs me.

I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
    my flesh also dwells secure."

 (English Standard Version)

 

As my summer draws to a close, I am getting anxious about the school year starting.  This is my last full week of "being free".  It is a bittersweet moment.  Part of me is anxious about school starting and the adventures it contains.  That part wants to just sit by the pool forever.  The other part is anxious for it to start.  To interact with the students.  To hear the voices of children in the halls.  That part wants to be in front of the classroom trying to make learning become something that each child finds as a joy to do. To help them, through God's wisdom, power, and grace, to be in awe of God and want a personal relationship with him.

This is my week of switching gears.  Of planning units.  Of making bulletin boards. Designing a theme for the year (Owls of course!).  Buying school supplies for me and also the children.

Next week is In-Service.  I get to be reunited with my other family- my co-workers.  That brings excitement into my heart. I get to clean and scrub and prepare my room to be an inviting home away from home for my students. I get to start fresh!

But, the pool beckons.  Making crafts and having the freedom to come and go sweetens my Summertime.  Once school starts, that freedom ends.  The pool will be closed.  No time to sit on the porch and listen to the cicadas and birds.  They will all be leaving soon as well.

But the colors of Fall will soon appear!  I will get to tuck pumpkins, gords, crows, and other Fall needfuls everywhere! Thanksgiving will bring a shouting reminder to give thanks to a good Lord for His provision and bounty.  It will also bring "turkey comas" and wearing pants with elastic waist-bands.

But, the days will be getting shorter, darker.  The day will seem to end before it begins.  I will get home from work and crash on the couch, no creative energy left to craft or blog as often. Just nap.

But then, it will be Winter!  And snow will cover the ground making everything bright and new! Maybe some snow days tucked in where I can snuggle under a blanket and drink cocoa.   I can read and blog and just relax.

But then January, February, and most of March stretch on endlessly.  Indoor recess.  Cabin fever.  Cranky kids.  Cranky teacher.

But then, Spring comes. Flowers and field trips brighten the day! Plants and trees come alive with colorful clothing, their Easter attire, ready to celebrate our risen Lord. He who brings new life to all who believe.

But then, Spring leads to testing and the end of a year.  A year that was no doubt full of blessings and struggles.  A full year.  A year of God's grace.  And the children, whom you did not know at the beginning, have now become dear to you.  You have become a family.  A unit.  But it must end, and you are parted with your "children".  You are grateful for the break, but the halls seem empty without the sounds of children.  You tear down your room with the wistfulness of tearing down streamers and decorations after a wonderful party.

But then, Summer is there.  To renew and revive.  Until at your Summer journey's end, you start the process over again.

That is the life of a teacher.  But, God is by my side every hour, every minute, every second.  He is constant.  Guiding, calming, giving wisdom, giving joy, comforting in sorrow, encouraging grace and mercy in all that I think or do.

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure." Psalm 16:9