Come
to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew
11:28 (NIV)
The new school year has just begun
and already I feel overburdened. It
seems all my good intentions have gone astray.
I spent so many summer hours planning lessons and getting my classroom
ready, but now I am faced with the reality of a teacher’s life. Lord, as I turn my burdens over to you, give
me a strong and agile spirit to understand and accommodate the needs of my
students. Let me do so with empathy and
a joyfulness that praises your name. And
at the end of the day, when I am most weary and burdened, let me recall at
least one smile on the face of one student, one successful teaching moment, and
one way you, Lord, refreshed my soul.
Actions
of Prayerful Teaching
Write
down the reasons why you became a teacher. Upon reflection you will discover that you not
only answered the call to teach, but embrace your calling. Every day has a purpose. Every day allows you to make a positive
difference in a child’s life. Every day
forces you to stretch and grow in your love for God and His children.
Schedule
at least 15 - 30 minutes of “me time” a day. This can be very difficult. If left to chance it will not happen. It is easier if the “me time” is scheduled
for the same time each day as that way it becomes a habit.
Hang
a quote.
Mandatory announcements and bulletins, student artifacts, and colorful
posters fill the walls of your classroom.
Just like “me time,” you need “me space.” Dedicate a space, even a small space where
you can hang a “just for me” quote that inspires you, calms you, and motivates
you. It should be in a spot that is
highly visible to you as you move about the classroom. Change the quote whenever you feel like it.
Smile,
especially when you do not feel like smiling. When lessons do not go as planned, when a
difficult child throws yet another tantrum, when you feel most useless, weary,
and burdened, smile. A smile gives one
inner peace. It relaxes you and lowers
stress and anxiety. It brightens one’s
mood. It is contagious. A smile says, “It is all right. God will get me through this.”
Thank
God for the challenges of teaching. Not everyone is called to be a teacher. Not everyone could withstand the challenges
and frustrations a teacher must face before the feelings of joy and
accomplishment slide in to take their place.
God has called you to the challenges of teaching because He trusts you
with them. God has called you to the
challenges of teaching because they teach you to rely on Him. God has called you to the challenges of
teaching to burn in your heart the realization that turning over problems to
God is better than solving them on your own.
God has called you to the challenges of teaching because they grow your
soul and allow you to gain the wisdom and strength to grow the souls of those
whose lives you daily touch.
Challenge
of the Week
Each day this
week as you lock your classroom door at the end of the day, pause and recall
one successful teaching moment or one child whose day was brightened because of
you. Maybe it was just a smile you gifted to a child, but maybe it was the only smile that child received all day.
God Bless and Prayerful Teaching,
Elizabeth A. Wink
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