Usually on this blog I invite all of my readers from all walks to ponder life’s issues together. Today’s thought goes out specifically for my “teacher family,” but also has application for all seeking divine meaning in their lives.
This morning I awoke before the sun was up (as teachers do in the school year) and my thoughts were immediately drawn to my students, and exactly how I was going to make music class fun and engaging with so many of the defining activities that define music class being restricted by my district for safety reasons.
As I was lying in the darkness of my bedroom, not having yet left my bed, I began to feel the familiar still, small voice of God speak to me with a volume and clarity He usually reserves for such moments when I especially need guidance.
“What if all of this isn’t a distraction from your purpose?” The words began to form in the quietness of my spirit. Then a verse of scripture: “Who knows, whether you have been placed here for such a time as this?”
I immediately recognized the verse as belonging to the story of Esther, and I began to recognize parallels in the story of this Godly saint and the position we are in as educators.
Esther was literally thrust into a position she never asked for by a pagan king of an invading nation that wasn’t of her people, and because she humbly sought to be used where she was, not where she wanted to be, she saved an entire people group from genocide.
Many of us as teachers have been placed in situations where our own health and safety as well as those of our students seems precarious. And on Monday, students who have experienced trauma will come to us seeking healing, normalcy, emotional support, and so much more.
You, beautiful friend, may feel inadequate and not up to the task. As I heard this voice, this morning, I sat up on the side of my bed, and with tears in my eyes I could only respond with something like, “Lord, I’m nothing special. I’m not the most gifted teacher out there, frankly I’m not really sure what I’m doing anymore and I feel kind of lost… But, I will respond with the words of the prophet of old: Here I am, Lord, send me… On the condition that you don’t make me do this alone. Because I don’t think I can do this on my own.”
And then I remember hearing once more again with such clarity, “I am with you ALWAYS (there was emphasis on that word) even to the end of the age.”
“Ok… then here we go,” I responded as I finally left my bed.
Some of you may need this reminder: You are NOT walking this path alone. Divine help is ALWAYS available when we stop and ask for it. And if you ever need a listening ear, I’m always here as well…
Happy teaching, fam!
Ponder Thoughts 