Back on the Steps

Some of you may have noticed that I’ve taken something of a break lately. I’ve had a lot going on. We recently moved our daughter into her dorm, been to banquets with my older son for some of the groups he may be participating in as he starts college, and gotten my younger son started at his new high school as well. Not to mention that I’ve had a few interviews lately. And God has placed me, for the time being, at a middle school again. Not the one I left before, so that is a true blessing. 

This school is truly in the middle of the woods – we have a chicken coop on campus too. The best thing about this school for me – part of God’s blessing- is that almost every bright spot, almost every person that left a school to find a better place- is now at this school. Even our school nurse is married to one of my favorite professors from my doctoral program. 

The principal is extremely supportive and believes in placing God first and family second and school falls somewhere underneath. And yet, or maybe because of that, this little place is the center of life in the woods. 

I must say that there are a few bright spots still not at this school, and I’m trying to maintain contact with them too. 

I am learning that it truly isn’t about my ability as a teacher, or my devotion to my job. God is opening my eyes every day to the fact that it is really about serving the students. Something I thought I was doing before, but my thoughts were a bit out of focus – I thought that my ability (that God blessed me with) was what made me a good teacher. It isn’t. What makes me a good teacher is my openness to allowing Him to meet the needs of my students through me. My body and mind as vessels of His gentleness, His kindness, his joy, and His delight in them. 

I’ve also been bottle-feeding Kitting Kat. She stayed in our bushes when her mama moved the others into a neighbor’s yard. (The neighbor promptly took them to a shelter.) I thought I might convince my family that she was meant to be with us – and it worked on the boys. However, there are people in my home who are claiming to be allergic to her, so we are looking for a good mommy or daddy for her. 

So I’m readjusting to a school day schedule and the realities of having almost grown children. I will keep posting, though it may not be as often as I did this summer. 

Thanks to all who are following for your patience and your encouragement. I’ve learned so much from some of you and I am truly grateful. I look forward to continuing this journey with you. 

As a final note, I’m not changing the name of the blog just because I’m back at school. I have come to believe that the small moments in each day are a little sabbatical in and of themselves. 

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8 thoughts on “Back on the Steps

  1. Two thoughts wash over me:” What makes me a good teacher is my openness to allowing Him to meet the needs of my students through me. My body and mind as vessels of His gentleness, His kindness, his joy, and His delight in them” I am a middle school nurse and need to contemplate the profundity of this statement! Pray for me on this point! Secondly: “I have come to believe that the small moments in each day are a little sabbatical in and of themselves.” This I have been learning and practicing for several years now, and blogging has become one of my many “sabbaticals”. Thanks for a great post. God bless your year!! Dawn

    Liked by 1 person

  2. It was so good to read this post today. I missed hearing from you. I also have taken a little break because of a lot going on. Your posts always encourage me. I found this one uplifting at a time I needed that. I will be posting again soon. God bless your school year!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Congratulations on your new school placement. Oh the experience of children off to college! Indeed it hs been a busy time for you. Looking forward to hearing all about the new school in the woods. Blessings.

    Liked by 1 person

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