And Yet
Last year was STAAR prep and pressure.
Last year was buying my own copy paper and supplies.
Last year was one 45-minute break, that was sometimes replaced by other meetings.
Last year was overwhelming with about 126 students; the biggest class had 30 students.
Last year was yelling, and I don't like to yell.
Last year was joyless teaching.
Last year was after-school naps, late nights, and early mornings again and again and again.
Last year was hard work with little impact and few results, or so it felt.
AND YET
Last year was working beside some incredible people who have a genuine heart for students to reach their fullest potential and are willing to do what it takes to get students there. These educators and advocates are still there in the trenches, luchando, sometimes more than the students they're fighting for. Sometimes I feel bad and guilty that I didn't make it.
AND YET
Today I was home around 5, with everything for tomorrow ready to go. My shoulders are not tense. I don't need to do any work tonight. Is there more to do? Of course, but I have time tomorrow during the day to work on it. I kind of don't know what to do with myself. Hence why I am sitting and writing. What a gift! During our middle school meeting this afternoon, we spent about half of the time praying. Another gift! Things seem right.
AND YET
I am left wondering if I was out of God's will last year if things didn't seem right. Doesn't the prosperity gospel say that when we're walking with God we'll have health, riches, and happiness? Things will seem right.
AND YET
I know that is not true. There was purpose in the trenches, in the valley, in the pain and stress and discontent.
Tauren Wells sings
No matter what I have, your grace is enough.
No matter where I am, I’m standing in Your love.
On the mountains I will bow my life to the One who set me there.
In the valley I will lift my eyes to the One who sees me there.
When I’m standing on the mountain I didn’t get there on my own.
When I’m walking through the valley I know I am not alone.
This is life. Mountains and valleys. A roller coaster. A school. Today I'm thanking God that He is with us in it all, always. He doesn't change. So He is our firm foundation, and we can trust Him.
Last year was buying my own copy paper and supplies.
Last year was one 45-minute break, that was sometimes replaced by other meetings.
Last year was overwhelming with about 126 students; the biggest class had 30 students.
Last year was yelling, and I don't like to yell.
Last year was joyless teaching.
Last year was after-school naps, late nights, and early mornings again and again and again.
Last year was hard work with little impact and few results, or so it felt.
AND YET
Last year was working beside some incredible people who have a genuine heart for students to reach their fullest potential and are willing to do what it takes to get students there. These educators and advocates are still there in the trenches, luchando, sometimes more than the students they're fighting for. Sometimes I feel bad and guilty that I didn't make it.
AND YET
Today I was home around 5, with everything for tomorrow ready to go. My shoulders are not tense. I don't need to do any work tonight. Is there more to do? Of course, but I have time tomorrow during the day to work on it. I kind of don't know what to do with myself. Hence why I am sitting and writing. What a gift! During our middle school meeting this afternoon, we spent about half of the time praying. Another gift! Things seem right.
AND YET
I am left wondering if I was out of God's will last year if things didn't seem right. Doesn't the prosperity gospel say that when we're walking with God we'll have health, riches, and happiness? Things will seem right.
AND YET
I know that is not true. There was purpose in the trenches, in the valley, in the pain and stress and discontent.
Tauren Wells sings
No matter what I have, your grace is enough.
No matter where I am, I’m standing in Your love.
On the mountains I will bow my life to the One who set me there.
In the valley I will lift my eyes to the One who sees me there.
When I’m standing on the mountain I didn’t get there on my own.
When I’m walking through the valley I know I am not alone.
This is life. Mountains and valleys. A roller coaster. A school. Today I'm thanking God that He is with us in it all, always. He doesn't change. So He is our firm foundation, and we can trust Him.
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