Prayerful Teaching: When I am Tired and Worn Out

He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak.

                                                            Isaiah 40:29 (TLB)

Prayer and Meditation

It is approaching that time of year again—a time of intensified excitement and activity in both my classroom and in my personal life.  With it also comes a time of heightened demands upon my time. Lord, you are aware of my every need.  When my spiritual strength runs low, refresh me in your love.  When I am tired, weary, and weak in mind, in body, and in soul, increase my trust in you.  Let me not be like the autumn leaf, swirling wildly, carelessly in the wind only to be forgotten and crumble into dust. Instead, let me be like the taproot, steadily and consistently sending out new roots whilst seeking God’s sustainable nourishment.

The Actions of Prayerful Teaching

• Ask for help. God has stationed people in your midst to help you.  You may not see them because they are the people who are part of your daily life, people you view as needing your help instead of people who can help you.  Most people, especially children, are predisposed to want to help. By allowing others to help you, you allow them to shine, prove they are valued, and set them up for a life of service.  Children are proud to help their teacher with small tasks. Avail yourself of their service.

• Look at your list of classroom jobs through new eyes.  Ask students what jobs they feel could be added to the list and what additional responsibilities they could handle.  If their ideas are feasible, try them on a temporary basis. 

• Think about giving responsibilities to students beyond the usual classroom jobs.  Can they set goals and/or develop a plan on how they will monitor and reach their goals?  These goals can concern behavior or academic challenges.  Can they chart their progress?  Can they write a note to their parents about their achievements? 

• Rid your personal life and your teaching life of clutter.  Be brave and throw out those unread newspapers, junk mail, and magazines that are stacking up and taking up valuable real estate. Close your eyes and donate “I might need it someday” items and unwanted presents you have received whether they are taking up residence in your home or in your classroom.

• Deal with “time hogs.”   Who and what are the “time hogs” in your life?  Facebook? Writing Amazon reviews?  Committees that accomplish little or nothing?  Fear of the “delete” and “unsubscribe” buttons for email control?  Lining up desks, chairs, and books in a perfect line?  Complaining to others instead of problem solving?

Challenge of the Week

Each day ask one person (student, friend, family member) to lift one burden, no matter how small, off of your shoulders.  This allows you to bring someone closer into your life.  By asking for help you are also empowering the one whom you have chosen to help you.

God Bless and Prayerful Teaching,

Elizabeth A. Wink

prayerfulteaching@gmail.com