Whatever You Do, Do It For the Lord

Don’t laugh; but I have had several people ask for some “school house” words of encouragement. So I am going to try and find some for you and at the same time for me. I too am struggling with the lack of motivation to get ready for this school year. So hopefully with God’s help, we can all gain some perspective and get our "mojo" back.

It is August, time for school again and I wish I was a little more excited to hear the beautiful sounds of children running around playing and laughing. The excitement of a new school year has seemed to dwindle down to nothing more than stress, anxiety and dread. Make no mistake, I would not choose any other profession than being a teacher. I find so much joy in the children that fill my classroom year after year and I could never imagine having to give it up. Yet as each year comes and goes, the changes become more intense. My responsibilities can become overwhelming. I can convince myself that it is more than I am capable of handling at times. More and more rules and expectations are put into place and frankly, I spend more time thinking about the long list of things I must get finished instead of enjoying the small moments of seeing a child smile when they learn something new. I am determined to change that this year.

The 2012-2013 school year is going to be full of many challenges and along with that comes the uncertainty of how I will be able to effectively balance my career and my family while keeping my focus on "things above." I have been given the title of teacher but I must confess, I am just a student. A perfectionist by nature, change is difficult. I love things the way they are. I sit in the same seat in meetings with coworkers. I use the same pens to grade papers. I place my desks in the same pattern year after year. Yes, I can be a bit difficult when it comes to change; but I am willing. So this year I find myself having to embrace another change: Common Core Georgia Performance Standards. 

I am passionate about education and support changes that improve a student’s educational experience; but I am firm in my beliefs that the answers are much simpler than revamping the curriculum or enforcing more accountability. There is a missing link that continues to send the public school system into a bottomless pit. The struggle has become increasingly difficult to piece together a failing education system ever since we removed God from public schools. So politicians throw another “quick fix” into place. Regardless of my feelings, I am ready to learn all that I can about these new changes because in the end, the benefit is for my students. I have reason to be concerned however, that it is going to be a long and stressful year because of the ever increasing demands that accompany this new “quick fix.” As a loving and caring teacher, I fall into the trap of survival mode and I do whatever it takes to meet the demands placed on me by those who do not know the children that sit in my classroom. These children are not identified by a CRCT score or a passing grade by this teacher; just as my God does not identify me by my works. We are ALL identified as God's children and He needs to be at the center of ALL of our lives...the missing link indeed.

I am confident that the only thing needed in any of our lives is a relationship with Jesus. I know that while I cannot teach my students about Jesus and that He is the real teacher in my classroom, I can remind myself that “whatever I do, I need to do it for the Lord.” Maybe I cannot introduce Him to my students in the way that He should be; but my day to day actions will be just as effective. I will be the student and I will lean on God to give me the wisdom to know how to be the kind of teacher that each student needs and deserves. I will survive this school year.

      For those teachers that are where I am and have "lost that loving feeling" I have some words of wisdom from a mighty force (no not Tom Cruise), words that God placed in a handy dandy guide book that I will use as MY textbook each day before my students arrive at school. I hope that these words help you find your “mojo” and the encouragement that you need to begin this school year with a clean heart and open mind; as well as a smile on your face and a skip in your step. Those children that come through your door will certainly need to see it if you want them to see Jesus living inside you. Just because I cannot teach my students about Jesus does not mean that I cannot make Him visible in my day to day attitude/interaction with my students/coworkers/bosses/parents/etc. We are in this together and our God has already given us the Staff Handbook that trumps all others.  If you and I are willing to abide by the terms, God will bless this school year beyond our imagination. 

     

     1. Strive to be the best Christian possible. God called you to be a teacher. The Hebrew word for teacher is "Rabbi." They called Jesus "Rabbi." Just the word is breathtaking and God chose me for such a task as this that I might use my talent to teach children.  It was not by chance that you and I were placed at the very spot we are in. Understand that you are where you are for a reason. 

      2.   God's words tell us that we must be missionaries and "go into the world and share the good news." Well I have great news for you...if you are a teacher, you are a missionary. In fact, you have the power to inspire, love, and build some pretty amazing children just by allowing God to transform your focus. Yes it is tiring and sometimes frustrating but think of how patient God is with us day after day. We have breaks and our school year lasts no longer than 160-180 days a year. God has us 24 hours, 7 days a week and He never leaves our side...even when we are bad.       

      3. "Keep your thoughts captive and obedient to Christ." When we become disgruntled, discouraged and discontented, we become an easy target for Satan's evil schemes. We will have great days and there will be some that we will be glad are over; but it is important to take a deep breath and maybe even a few minutes to sit in silence seeking God. Maybe you need to have lunch in your room by yourself. That is okay from time to time. Just remember that when you do, seek God and ask Him to wrap His arm around your shoulder and His hand over your mouth so that the rest of the day does not end badly. This is something I will be doing daily. :) 

4. Bring a bible and/or devotional to keep at school (if you work with me and you need one or both, come see me and I will get you what you need) to keep at school and on your desk permanently.  I don’t encourage you to do this for any other reason but so that it is visible...especially to you.  A phone app won’t work...you will be too quick to respond to a text or play a quick game of Words with Friends. Plus out of sight; out of mind. By placing your bible on your desk (your personal area) you are placing God in your classroom. It is your right and a step in faith. When you need it, if it is handy...you will read it. It will give you the answers you need when you are struggling to hold it together at school. 

5. Respect your bosses. We may not agree with them or how they handle things; but my obligation to God also means that I work hard and avoid the "work room gossip". Remember that “our earthly authorities” are ordained God. You can be assured that God will hold them accountable for their leadership efforts; so we do not need to take it upon ourselves to bash the character or speak unkind words about those that God has allowed to lead us. When we fail to respect and obey our bosses then we are walking in disobedience to God.

      6. Pray daily and all day for your bosses, coworkers, students and their parents. Yes, even the most difficult ones. Pray that God will help you develop loving and caring relationships with everyone that you come in contact with. You need their support and they need yours. You never know what storms are raging in the lives of your students and their families so try to be understanding, forgiving and accepting. Trust me, you will not teach your students to be responsible in one year. It is a life-long process, so let them mess up and let them see what love and forgiveness looks like. Who cares if they forgot their homework a few times. There is usually a bigger reason for their forgetfulness. Remember the plate you carry as a teacher and how stressed you will get...let the little things go. Forgive those children and their "normal" tendencies to be irresponsible and forgetful. Thank you Jesus that you still forgive me over and over...I still haven't learned the art of responsibility and remembering all the things I am supposed to. 

      

      7.     Last but certainly not least, “Whatever you do, do it for the Lord.” Remember that you are the student, not the teacher.

 In his own words, Thomas Jefferson summed things up perfectly on June 26, 1822 in a letter he had written. He said, “Had the doctrines of Jesus been preached always as pure as they came from his lips, the whole civilized world would now have been Christian”. Since this did not happen, we must be disciples and go into the world (aka school) and share the good news, by showing those around us the characteristics of Jesus (btw...those characteristics are adjectives-a skill we must teach our students).

Good luck and may God be with you on your journey this year.