Making Sense of Senseless Things

As I reflect on the events of this past week, as many teachers have, I am reminded how important my job is to not only educate these students but to also protect them while they are in my care. It is sad that it takes something like a tragedy to put many things into perspective. I watch the news and see all those precious faces and ask the question like many others, Why? We may never have the answer to this, but I do know that there is evil in the world and we are not immune to it as much as we would like to be. God did not tell us if we believe in him that life would always be rosy and wonderful. It is comforting to know that we can rely on him to help us through situations such as this. I feel blessed to be in a school where we do pray every day. We can stop in the middle of class and pray for whatever we deem necessary. We are taking finals this week, many of my junior high students have never taken a final. You can imagine the nerves and anxiety going through the air! As you may already know, we stopped and prayed before we began the test. There is just something about praying to God that can ease a person's soul. I am thankful every day that I can spend time in pray with my class. 
I wish those who want to pray could participate in a prayer in public schools. We all know that on that horrific day last week at Sandy Hook Elementary school there were many people saying a prayer. I have never understood why we took prayer out. If you don't want to participate, then just don't. Out of respect for those who do, be still and stay quiet. It is a matter of respect for other people's beliefs, you don't have to agree, but you do need to show respect.
In light of the events this past week, I bet there will be more teachers, students, and parents, praying throughout the school day. I hope that all those affected by this tragedy know that people all over the country are praying for them daily, not that it will help ease their pain, but knowing others are praying on you behalf when sometimes you can't is a great comfort. 
Christmas is going to have a different feel this year. Let's all think more of others and less of ourselves. 
Merry Christmas

Remembering What is Important

I have had the opportunity to teach subjects totally different than what I have done the past several years. I am now considered a jr. high teacher. This is something I never thought that I would do. I am now teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th graders Math and Bible. At a small private school you tend to have lots of responsibilities. I am one of three jr. high teachers and I am also the head teacher. It has been an adjustment coming from elementary, but it has been fun.
Along with all of my new assignments, we also merged with another private school. We are meshing two campuses into one and it has given added stresses to our jobs, but has also given us some added benefits. We have come to know and love new people and have had to stretch ourselves and get out of our comfort zone. With all of the changes, it does bring some stress. Both schools have had to compromise and that in itself puts people on edge. For the most part, I have felt very welcomed by the other staff members that were not part of our school. I have also enjoyed getting to know the students from the other school.
I do feel that God has put me here for a reason. Sometimes I am not sure what that reason is, but I know he has a plan. I need to remember this when the stresses of the day get to me. In having to teach Bible to three classes, I have seen my Bible knowledge along with my spiritual grow this year. We all want to have all the answers and know why things are happening, but God doesn't work that way. I have to remember to trust him and realize that he knows what he is doing.
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. As a teacher, we do not always get to enjoy it as much as others. I always feel that I am in a rush to get things done. I have always had a child who played basketball. This time of year is always busy because there are tournaments and regular season games that we are trying to squeeze in before holidays. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas break, I do not feel like I can take a breath with all the things I need to get done. And now this year, I have added final exams to go along with it. I have not had the opportunity to give finals. It will definitely be a new experience!
Christmas break is coming up and we all are in need of a much needed rest. I think the students do not realize that teachers look forward to these breaks just as much as they do. I have one more week of review and then three days of finals. Then the vacation begins.
May we remember the purpose of Christmas and not get to wrapped up in the commercial aspect of it all.
Merry Christmas!