As many of my fellow
teachers know so well the first week of school can be a very stressful time
especially with the age group I teach.
The first week of school for me is the hardest part of my job. Separation anxiety can be just as difficult
for the parents as it is for the students.
Many times the first day of preschool involves tears on both sides. In addition to the tears preschoolers must be
taught everything about school like walking in a line from place to place,
learning how to play and get along with other children, holding a pencil,
staying in their seats, and the list goes on and on. It takes a lot of practice and patience for
them to be successful in a school setting.
At the end of the first week progress begins to take place and all the
children get settled in a good routine.
This year in particular was
supposed to be different for me or so I thought. My plan was to make a career change that I
thought I deserved after completing my Masters degree, but God had other plans
for me.
Jeremiah 29:11
'For I know the plans
that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for
calamity to give you a future and a hope.
I had made plans to quit my
job teaching preschool and to look for a full-time teaching job with the intent
of making more money. Several interviews
came my way this summer so I was certain I would land one of those jobs. My greatest fear occurred, and I was not
chosen for any of the positions I felt I deserved. As disappointment after disappointment came
my way reluctantly I decided to stay at the preschool where I taught over the
last 7 years. I was ready for a change
so I was a little resentful about having to return to my previous post. I felt inadequate as an educator and on top
of that a failure. This negative feeling
overtook me after the first day and hardest day of school, I was not happy in
my present situation. Not being able to
cope with my disappointment I felt a need to turn to God and seek His guidance
and wisdom.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not
lean on your own understanding. In all
your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
When
I sought God, I could feel His presence engulf my life, and I was finally able
to understand the reasons God needed me to stay. I looked at my co-workers who always support
me and give me advice far above and beyond their job description. And another reason I needed to stay was for
those precious preschool students whom I have to privilege to share this
important part of their lives. As a
result I learned to find contentment in this situation because I choose to
depend on God for my happiness not a career nor a person but God. I may not know what the future holds for my
career or me but as the old saying goes I know who holds my future.
Proverbs
16: 1-9
The plans of the heart
belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are clean in his own
sight, But the LORD weighs the motives.
Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established. The LORD has made everything for its own
purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; assuredly,
he will not be unpunished. By
lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the LORD
one keeps away from evil. When a man's
ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with
him. Better is a little with
righteousness than great income with injustice.
The mind of man plans his way; But the LORD directs his steps.
FROM MICHAEL …. Special thanks to Julie for writing today’s
devotion. Please pray for her as she
will have her gall bladder removed this coming Thursday. Not just because she wrote this or will be
reading what I write, she is an incredible lady and a gift from God. I do hope that what she shared had blessed
you! Also, tomorrow, September 4th, is
our 20th wedding anniversary.
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