I had an awesome moment today. I have many, but this one was particularly special. It was late in the afternoon, and I had just finished my first day of inservice at my elementary school and I had just finished my first official bulletin board. The day was filled with highs and lows as the mounds of information I am being hit with can be overwhelming, but at this particular moment I was high on life. I had just driven back into Waco and was trying to do some quick grocery shopping before my boxing lesson, at my least favorite place in the world...Walmart.
I was waiting in line admiring this precious pigtailed, 3 year old, girl checking out with her daddy in front of me. We exchanged a few silly faces and a smile as she and her dad paid and I began to move up in line. Filled with joy at the moment I glanced up at the clerk and said "what a cute little girl." She smiled and asked me if I had kids. I responded with a no and then continued to say that I was a teacher. She asked me if I liked teaching and I gave her a squeamish smile and said "well it's my first year and I don't actually start teaching until next Monday. So I guess I don't really know, I sure do hope so." She asked me where I was teaching and I told her Killeen ISD...
She said, "Killeen needs you. It's a God thing that you are there. Killeen really needs you. I just moved here from Baton Rouge and I don't even know the district, but I am often given strong feelings from God about things and I know that Killeen needs you and that you are going to be really great."
Aw struck at this strangers words, I just kind of gazed back at her and said "Thank you." Not really knowing what else to say. As I walked away she called after me, "enjoy your first Monday, and you'll be great." I turned and smiled.
As my head and heart began to process what just happened my entire body was filled with goosebumps, and I felt as though God had truly just affirmed all of my beliefs about why I am here at this very moment. I felt so very comforted and at peace. I have had more peace than I ever thought I would as I have begun this journey, but after that moment in Walmart I have felt an even greater sense of peace. My anxiety has mostly been coming from my fears of the first day, but I can't stop hearing those words "enjoy your first Monday."
I will only ever in my life have one real first Monday as a teacher. If it is anxiety filled I won't be able to enjoy it. It is one day and I know it won't go perfect, but I want to truly enjoy it, so that is what I am going to do. I am going to spend that day totally focused on my kids and on getting to know them and developing a bond with them. I am going to enjoy every moment of that day despite the stresses and moments that I am sure to feel like a failure. I am going to be honest and share with my kids my first day jitters and and first year jitters.
Another thing God showed me through my interaction today with Him and the clerk, is that God uses all of us. I have many prideful moments, where I think that I am meant to do great things as a teacher and that it is one of the most influential jobs, and that I am listening to some sort of calling. Although some of that may be true, God uses each and every one of us to do his will. The lady in Walmart today was listening to God and was allowing Him to be seen in her, to impact a first year teacher. Her role in this world is equally as worthy and as honorable as any other profession. How awesome God is. Thank you for showing this to me.
"Eagles come in all shapes and sizes, but you recognize them chiefly by their attitudes." -Schumacher-
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