RE: Teaching is my God Thing

First of all I am humbled by the response I got to the post "Teaching is my God Thing". I believe that so many of us will work at jobs and serve in positions that we are truly unhappy in. Sometimes its the "bad ones" that help us to appreciate the "good ones". Somehow through trials we find our purpose and find meaning in the things that we do. God doesn't guarantee us happiness but he does guarantee us joy. Choices are often difficult to make and we often rely on family and friends to guide us which shows wisdom and if we have wise godly relationships then this is helpful. God places people in our paths who help us make the big decisions that shape our destiny but ultimately he places them in our lives so that we will know him and become closer to him.
Teaching in a public school has its boundaries where religion is concerned. Sometimes my witnessing is done simply by action. Yes, education is important but loving those children is equally as important. When my students come to me for comfort during difficult times it may just be a kind word, a gentle smile, a listening ear, or a pat on the back. Being a teen is tough but so is being a parent to a teen. In most cases my students turn to me when they are in need because they come from non-traditional homes where they don't have anyone else to talk to. I am humbled that they choose to share their lives with me. I am honored to be their teacher.

Where does the time go?

It seems like it was only yesterday that we were bringing her home from the hospital and she was getting her first bath.

Teaching is my God Thing

I have always wanted a big family. I come from a small, close-knit family and there is so much that I love about that. Before we had Raegan, my kids at school would ask when I was going to have children and I would say to them why do I need kids....I have them. They were my babies. My philosophy on teenagers is that they are sometimes overgrown babies. We often treat them as if they are grown-ups expecting them to be responsible adults when physiologically and psychologically they are still developing. Sometimes I have to remind myself that they just need love and nurturing like an infant. This week God has reminded me how instrumental I am in his plan. He is using me to carry out his plan through these children. They need me and I need them and we are like family to each other. I have to be honest.... I haven't always been 100% sure that teaching was for me. Sometimes I questioned God's plan for my life. People often criticize my decision to teach, implying that I could have been someting else, made more money, etc. I hate to say that at times I agreed with them.
Weeks like this one help me stay focused and realizing that this is a God thing and not a me thing. In this week alone I have dealt with so many issues with these students. Most of the situations have been heartbreaking but through their trials I have had the opportunity to be Jesus with skin on as Bro. Steve calls it. Two students have confided about recent rapes and the emotional turmoil that they are dealing with. We have been working with a team of counselors and law enforcement officials to get them the help that they need. Another student found out she has an inoperable brain tumor. A young man told a story of how he had a gun pulled on him in his neighborhood. Another shared his family misfortunes of his mother losing their home, car, and job all while trying to stay away from her abusive ex-husband. One boy returned to school this week after his family lost everything over the weekend in a house fire. A girl shared about her mother's mental illness and how she has to care for her when her father is away at work. All of these stories were shared just this week. These students come from many diverse backgrounds. Some are black, some white, some in between, some poor, some middle class, some christian, some not. These kids have one thing in common....they need someone. They need God and I am a sounding board for them and a stepping stone to him. He is using me to give them hope and them to keep me humble and HIS. Blessings are all around us even when we least expect them. These kids have become part of that big family that I've always desired. Each one of them takes a piece of my heart away with them when they leave....I just hope that they always remember that my heart belongs to God.

Whatever you do unto the least of these you do unto me. Matthew 25:40

Trip to the fire station

So we all loaded up today and went to see Station 3, Scott's first assignment and to meet the guys on his shift. Low and behold the captain working today recognized me from childhood. He even remembered my name without being told....its only been like 20 something years. It turns out that our family farms are right beside each other. He and my dad were friends growing up and he remembered me taking my first steps...talk about a small world after all. Then of course he asked how in the world I got mixed up with the Clemons crew and we all laughed. Raegan had everyone wrapped around her little finger. Everyone just kept talking to her and she was enthralled that they let her "drive" the firetruck. They even gave her a beanie baby bunny before she left. Everyone seemed exceptionally nice and would be great to work with. Unfortunately, all the guys on this shift are moving to another station so who knows who will actually be there. There are still so many details to be worked out with placing the new rookies. Scott will officially start on Wednesday. This station was not his first pick but he is very pleased and thankful to be finished with training and actually going to work. It has actually been a year since he started the whole process and 6 months since he started the training. Wow!!!! What a journey this has been!

To my HERO.....

Tomorrow marks the end of training....Scott will take his final test and receive his first shift and station assignment. When we got married he chose the song "Hero" because he said he always wanted to be my hero. Well Baby, You are my hero. Now you'll be a hero to others. I am so proud of you for this accomplishment. I'm glad that you have achieved this goal. You made up your mind and you invested your heart. This is a new chapter in our lives and I am so thankful to be a part of it and sharing it with you. I love you. You not only mean the world to me but you are my world. May God always guide you and protect you.