Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Tis the season when parents praise God and teachers pray to him. Yep, back to school is around the corner!
In this world, there are different types of teachers. The ones that get all excited with overflowing carts at Target, Pinterest boards galore and visions of school supplies dancing in their heads. Perky, we shall call them Perky!
Then there is the Oh my gosh how will I ever get along with out my nap time, let alone train my bladder all over again teacher.
It would not be proper to create this list and leave out the final countdown group. You know the ones that have put in for that blessed place know as Retirement, aka “Sure I will come back and substitute land”.
Then there is me. I have been in education for fifteen years as of this writing and I have a confession. I. Am. Burnt. Out.
I am hanging on to every single minute I have left of freedom. Unfortunately, right now my family is not in a financial position to let me stay home. We are working on it and I am praying about it every day. I know God has other another destination for me and this is just a road I am traveling to get there. It is all a part of his master plan for my life.
Now, I don’t for one minute think teachers have cornered the market on burnout. So, what does one do about it? Before I begin with some practical suggestions please know that I am not perfect in any way size shaper or form. I am living through this right now with you. I have not perfected this attitude. I am still waking up in cold sweats, heart racing and I will most likely be kicking and screaming my entire drive to school next week.
So here is what I know.
Right now on my path, I must cling to God harder than I ever have and he will hold me up with his right hand (Psalms 63:8).
I will lean on and confidently put my trust in Him, for He, has not forsaken those who seek him (Psalms 9:10).
I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him, I lean and rely, and in Him I trust! (Psalms 91:2).
I trust that God’s peace, which goes far beyond anything I can imagine, will guard my heart and mind (Philippians 4:7).
I know just reading these verses are not going to make the world just turn into rainbows and unicorns. But when I read them over and over they gain a little strength in my life. They bring me comfort to keep moving. They help me remember who I am.
My job does not define me. My job is just a small part of me. I am a mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, author, aunt, sister. I so much more than just my job title. I am a daughter of the king.
Today is but one page in the book of my life. It isn’t even a chapter. Today is the only day I have to concern myself with because I don’t need to borrow from tomorrows troubles.
So, I may be a little disappointed next week when I am sitting in a classroom instead of sitting in a Starbucks somewhere working on my book. However, I know in my heart that this is all a part of God’s plan he has for me. plans to prosper me and not to harm me plans to give me hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Are you feeling a little burnt out today too? Leave a comment and so we can know we aren’t alone and encourage each other to keep walking on.
For now, I would like to leave you with this
I know your heart been broke again
I know your prayers ain’t been answered yet
I know you’re feeling like you got nothing left
Well, lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet so
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
Move, keep walkin’ until the mornin’ comes
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
And lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet
(Move, TobyMac)
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