School starts when? As a teacher, I love summer. I mean, I LOVE summer! I love sleeping in late, staying up late, not showering every day (I know that’s gross, but I’m being real here), traveling for more than just a weekend, wearing flip flops, not wearing make-up, not grading papers, reading novels, and so many other wonderful things! I think if you talk to most teachers, they’ll probably tell you they love summer, also. Their reasons might not mirror mine, but I bet there will be a bit of crossover!
So when August comes around, I know summer is almost over. I also know that God will strengthen me and prepare me for the work I need to do during the school year. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (NIV) God is the one who will provide me with the strength I need when I don’t feel strong. Wow! Thank you, Lord!
Now, I teach at a two-year technical college,and I teach English. Most of my classes focus on workplace communications, so I am teaching students about how to be professional in their writing and in their speaking when they are on the job. Students write resumes, cover letters, incident reports, and they present a set of instructions and answers to interview questions. I feel like what I teach in that class is very practical and relevant for my students–my class helps to give them the skills they will need to be successful in their technical careers.
I’m also not teaching them the technical skills, like how to climb a powerline pole or how to wire an outlet. I’m also not teaching them how to take blood or how to do someone’s taxes. Thank heavens–no one would want me to draw their blood or do their taxes, and they certainly wouldn’t want me anywhere near electricity! But I believe the part I play at my school in the lives of my students is just as important. Communication is important, and learning to write and speak appropriately and professionally is important! I believe that God is using me exactly where He wants me to be.
Sometimes it’s hard to get excited for a new school year because summer is so amazing (did I mention flip flops and sleeping in late), but I know that what I have to teach is essential and relevant and important for my students, and sometimes I just need that reminder.
A long time ago, when my boys were younger, I was a teaching assistant in a kindergarten class, and boy, that was tiring work, but it was also fun! The kindergarten teacher and I also heard a lot of “thank yous” and parents actually bought us gifts. I couldn’t believe it–the first year I was in that position, on the last day of school, my desk was filled with gift cards, candy, coffee mugs, and thank you cards. I was spoiled, and it felt great. In the position I’m in now, my students rarely give me gifts, and honestly, I don’t expect them. These are college students, who don’t have a lot of money to spend, but sometimes it’s nice to hear, “thank you.”
I just have to remind myself that if I’m doing what God wants me to be doing, that’s what is important. The “thank yous” and the worldly gifts don’t matter. It goes back to God giving me the strength I need! When I do get discouraged or tired or want to give up, I can look at Isaiah 40:31 (NIV): “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
God gives me the strength I need when I need it! I am an unfinished woman, and I need God's help all day, every day! Okay, so God, I start back to school in a little over a week, so give me strength to shower every day and to put on actual shoes and to throw on some make-up each day! I know with you I can do all of this and more!
Thanks for reading, friends!
Love,
Julie
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