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!