I have been reminiscing the last few days.
It is almost impossible for me to believe, but this is the beginning of the 5th school year since I turned in my gradebook and keys and quit writing lesson plans for 8th graders.
Five years since I laughed with my students.
Five years since I read their sometimes heartbreaking/sometimes heartwarming essays and graded spelling tests for hours. (Don’t miss those spelling tests a bit!)
Five years since I was shocked by their language and the words of some of their music, and fell for their traps to get me off topic by veering our discussions in another direction than I planned. These discussions were often more fruitful than what I had planned anyway.
Being a classroom teacher was something I loved! Granted, it could be VERY FRUSTRATING and STRESSFUL, but the energy of kids and the creativity of their ideas brought me great JOY.
I loved seeing the back-to-school pictures of all the kids on Facebook, and I know many momma- hearts ached as they prayed for a good school year for their precious children. Everyone wants their son or daughter to have a teacher who cares.
And I know there are GOBS of teachers who do!
When I decided to quit teaching, I hoped God would show me what HE wanted me to do next.
Surprise! He has been faithful to do just that.
While cleaning, I came across these 2 pieces that I wrote years ago.
New Friends
Closed Chapter
I sit on our back porch swing
I have learned so much, gone places I never imagined, and witnessed God at work. I’m reconnecting with former students and their moms and meeting new folks. It’s FUN!
I’m not sharing this because I am anything special, because I am NOT. I’m sharing because the same God who has shown me his FAITHFULNESS and LOVE will do the same for YOU and I’m sure he has been.
Sharing with others gives God glory and is an encouragement during times when we may need building up.
So, how is God showing his faithfulness to YOU? Tell us. Please!
Stephen says
It seems a little perverse to say it, but He seems to have shown his faithfulness to me by helping me see the Cross I need to carry. I'm unwillingly divorced, and a committed Catholic. So, repartnering is not an option for me as much as I might like to think about it. Recently I've been realising that THAT is the cross I have to carry if I'm to truly show that I'm willing to do His will and keep His commandments. Finding that I can not only accept that reality, but begin to see my way into a future that involves it, feels in a strange way like a blessing. As if He's set me a challenge that IS a challenge, but not one that's beyond my capacity.
Valerie Sisco says
Hi Susan!
Oh I love reading about what God had in store for you after your teaching career — what hope! And what joy you've discovered in your new calling! I actually looked at the holy yoga website and checked out the classes to certify — and then felt it was a bit beyond me! 🙂 Love reading your heartfelt thoughts and miss you and our time in Italy! xo
Mindy Whipple says
You are special Susan – using your gifts so faithfully through teaching (and making a huge difference in the lives of students) and through all that you do now (including this blog!). Changes are not always easy but resting in the Lord as He guides us is the only way to move forward and your example of this is wonderful. God is faithful indeed.