Woodswaif: August, 2007

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August 24

The Body of Christ

Tonight, I realized just how precious the body of Christ is to one another. After coffee with a good friend, I went to have dinner with my "adopted" family. They have always completely welcomed me into their homes and invited me to family functions. They are my dear friends. Tonight I was invited to a cookout by their father. It was so sweet to get to spend time with them and really feel like a part of the family. God reminded me on the way home that this is how the family of God is supposed to be with each other. In fact, I have had numerous conversations and outings with friends this week and have really felt loved by each of them in a way that wouldn't happen if we weren't all a part of the Body of Christ. I feel blessed to be a part of the body of Christ and to know that no matter how far away I live from my earthly family, God's family will always be there.

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. - Psalm 133

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August 20

Attitude and Prayer

Why is it that on some days, nothing goes as it should?
Why is it that on some days, everything takes longer, has more interruptions, and requires more prayer than on other days?
Why is it that on these days when I've finally reached the end of my rope and don't know what else to do, then I pray?
Why isn't that the first thing I do?

The second I start feeling out of sorts or out of control I need to get on my knees (even if it's only a moment in the middle of a crowded room) and pray. A simple "Help me Lord" would do it. But instead I continue to try to solve things on my own. I continue to go out in my own strength and expect things to get better and be better just because I "don't have time" for them to go any other way. So, instead of letting God handle things and take care of the situation or at least my attitude, I continue to become more and more frustrated that things aren't going the way I want them to and things aren't getting done in the amount of time I expect them to and not enough is getting accomplished according to My plans. Then I get frustrated and annoyed and my attitude is suddenly way out of sorts. If only, I would turn to God in the first place, then, my attitude would change and suddenly all those other things won't matter so very much.

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that You hold the master plan, that You are in control, and that You know how things are going to turn out. Thank you for reminding me that it doesn't matter how messy the schedule looks or who teaches the kids, what matters is that they get taught. What matters is my attitude toward others and my willingness to share Your love with them. It doesn't matter if things got accomplished or if my schedule is complete, what matters is that I am ready to teach these kids. Even if it is just three or four students, even if it's a little hectic or not everything gets taught or I have extra time on my hands...it's OK. As long as I allow You to work in me and through me. As long as my attitude reflects that of Christ. Thank You for the reminder and thank You for holding all things in Your hands.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17

August 15

I didn't realize...

I didn't realize how important my morning prayer was going to turn out to be. Yesterday morning, during my quiet time, I prayed for wisdom (among other things): wisdom and patience. What I didn't realize was that I was going to need both.

Last night was parent orientation at the high school and I didn't want to attend. (I usually attend parent orientation to speak with the parents about the services my students need.) We have a new administrator at the high school and when I asked if I needed to attend, I got a round about answer. "Well, I can do that for you...If you come, I'll fit you in..." It was not at all a direct answer and I couldn't tell if she would rather I come or if it didn't matter. I didn't want to come and I decided that would be fine, I wouldn't go.

However, at 6:00 when I was just leaving school (with the orientation at 7:00) I decided that since I was still there is was not right for me to go home. The responsible thing would be for me grab something to eat and go over to the high school for orientation. So, with the wisdom of God, I decided that was what I would do. Not what I wanted, but what I needed. However, I then got really frustrated driving around to get dinner and then getting to the high school (mostly because I still didn't want to go). But, through a little prayer and a lot of patience, I was calm and collected as I stepped out of the car at 6:50. I was greeted with a "I'm so glad you chose to come tonight." In other words, I needed to come (and really didn't have a choice, I just didn't know that).

So, while it turns out I didn't need to be there and it was a waste of my time (in terms of accomplishing anything with the students), it was the right decision and put me in good standing with my new administrator. Praise the Lord!

August 13

A Nice End

Yesterday was a nice end to the summer. I went to church service in the morning, where we talked about peace and having a peace-filled life (through the Holy Spirit). I went to lunch with some friends and then came home and relaxed for the last Sunday afternoon where I don't have school-work waiting for me to finish. Last evening, I went to our church picnic. I ate with some friends that I hadn't talked to in a while and then spent over an hour talking to the teacher that used to work with me last year. She has started a new job and needed information about how to handle certain things or how my school does something. It was nice to get to talk to her because I haven't seen her all summer. Then, I came home and watched a little bit of TV before going to bed. It was such a nice relaxing day and a great end to summer.

August 08

The Beginning

The beginning of school always comes with some anxiety about what lay ahead. After last year, I would actually expect to have more of that then usual. Instead, the opposite has happened. I am extremely excited about this year. I am looking forward to the year with anticipation. The realist (or would you say pessimist) in me says that things cannot go as well as you plan/want. But still, the optimist in me says "Hey, they can't be worse than last year."

Either way, I am finally looking forward to this coming school year. I am trying not to worry about things outside of my control and to be as prepared as I can...if that's possible. I know that God has great things in store for me. Tonight, as I was reading in Psalms, (Yep, still there) God reminded me of his provision and his grace. I know that God is going to figure out all the little details that can be a source of worry for me. God has things figured out and His plan is always greater than my plan.

Thank you, Lord, for your provision. Thank you for providing a solution even before I ask. Thank you for giving me peace about this coming school year. Thank you for giving me excitement and anticipation. Thank you for allowing me to have a small part in these children's lives and tonight, I give the students in my classroom over to you. I give their difficulties, struggles, failures, and successes over to you. I know that you can handle the things that I can't. You proved that last year and this year there will be new struggles and You will conquer those as well. Thank you again for your grace and your mercy. Thank you for your love and your guidance. Bless each one of these dear children and one day bring them into your Kingdom. Help them to learn this year and to grow this year. Help them to see a glimpse of You in me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.