Racing

I tend to live my life the way my dog takes a walk. One of my goals this fall is to take advantage of the various local county parks each weekend and walk the hiking trails with Tosca. It’s been wonderful to enjoy the autumn colors and simply revel in the beauty of creation. Tosca loves going for a walk and is always eager to get out of the car and set off on the trail.

We went to Hemlock Crossing this afternoon, just north of Holland off US 31. After being cooped up all week because of rainy, windy weather, Tosca was raring to go. She took off on the trail at a run; it’s a good thing I was holding her leash tightly! She’d occasionally stop here and there for a second to sniff and then dash off again, only to be frustrated by my attempts to slow her down to an actual walk. She paid little attention to the beauty surrounding us; she just wanted to go her own way. At times she tried to veer off the path toward her own shortcut before being pulled back to the path by me.

We finally stopped at a clearing overlooking the Pigeon River. At first glance there was nothing to see. But, as I stood watching quietly, I began to observe the life in the meadow surrounding the river. The gently swaying leaves, small birds flitting among the cattails, the river slowly meandering along, and a butterfly dancing in the air all brought a smile to my face. A rustle among the leaves finally revealed a little chipmunk making a leap onto a tree trunk as he explored the woods. A peace filled my soul as I stood watching the river and meadow. I loved the life found here in the stillness.

My dog, however, paced around, anxious to be on her way again. And I realized how often I act like her in my daily life. I’m usually hurrying along, wanting to go off on my own path and moving toward the next thing.  I seldom stop and just enjoy the moment, being still and trusting God to steer my path. I’ve purposely tried to relax at school this week and just enjoy the moments with my students instead of stressing out about everything that has to be done. It’s been a good week, and we actually accomplished a lot.  I guess that Bible passage about not worrying (Matthew 6) is really true.

Be still and know that I am God.  Psalm 46:10

A Time To Remember

Sometimes we forget. In the busy-ness of life and the efforts to complete all the to-do lists and just getting through each day, we can forget the original purpose for why we do what we do. I’ve been feeling the struggle of this lately. Working with a new writing curriculum, a new literacy management system, more technology tools/integration, extra committee work, as well as trying to find the time to fit in everything I’m supposed to teach has been overwhelming this fall. A lot of good stuff, but all at once. By last Sunday evening I was almost at the breaking point. I couldn’t do one more extra thing. I wondered if this was really where I was supposed to be. What I was supposed to be doing.  In the stress of all this “stuff,” I’d begun to forget the why. Why I became a teacher. Why God called me to this profession. 

Thankfully God, in His perfect timing, reminded me during these last two days at our Christian Educators Association convention in South Bend, Indiana. I am so thankful I was there to be reminded of the reason I became a teacher: to make a difference in the lives of children.  Building relationships with my students, helping them develop a Christian world and life view, living out the difference because of Christ, and showing grace and love – all of these are important life lessons that extend beyond literacy, math, science, and technology. I want my students to learn the academics, but most of all I want to show them Jesus. And when I return to my class next week, although all the extra “stuff” will still be there, it will not overwhelm me. Because I remember again. I remember why I am a teacher. I love my kids.