Hope and Encouragement
-
Reading the Reviews
When I have larger purchase to make, I like to investigate which is the best rated item. I search the internet to find the reviews of others to learn the pros and cons of particular products to make a wise choice. I can spend considerable time researching different sources to gain a better understanding of the item in which I am interested. There are so many products on the market these days and it would be hard to narrow down my choices if I did not have some additional information on which to base my purchase. I want products that have a good track record. I am reluctant to invest…
-
Fan the Flame
The embers flick about, tossed about by the breeze. The fire slowly dies out as the ashen logs deteriorate. Before long, only a shadow of the former fire remains. Blow on the fire and it strengthens. What almost dies out comes back to life. With adequate fuel, the oxygen brings vibrancy back to the flames. Our Christian walk is similar. In 2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) the apostle Paul addresses Timothy, a young pastor: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” Timothy has a gift from God. What particular gift, we do not…
-
That’s Not My Problem
Over the years I have always had a contingent of students in my classroom with a strong ability to care for others. These children are quick to notice when someone else needs help. They are more in touch with what is going on with other students in the class. Their ability to reach outside of themselves is a gift. This gift often comes with a price, however. Frequently, these students spend an inordinate amount of time looking to the needs of others, and they don’t get what they themselves need to have done completed. Sometimes, they are borderline nosy – wanting to get in on any conversation or interaction that…
-
Transferred
The walk down my hometown street was a beautiful one with mature trees and their vast canopy. I traipsed this route frequently as a young girl, to make use of the transit service in our area. Typically, my bus treks were direct routes – to downtown appointments or events at our church. Occasionally, I would undertake a longer journey and I needed to ask for a transfer slip so I could freely move from one bus to another without an extra charge. I remember clinging to that tiny piece of paper – scared that somehow, I might drop it or have it blow away. I didn’t usually carry any extra…
-
What’s Your Word?
No matter what we are facing in life – either good or bad – inevitably, one facet takes precedence in our minds. Being on a trip, our word might be “fun” or “relaxed”, for example. In our young parenting days, “tired” might be the reigning concept. The trials in our lives tend to boil down to one word also. It is around this pivotal point that we focus our energies and that reaches out to every other aspect of our lives. This main irritation/challenge/problem, works its way through our lives, impacting our thoughts and actions. What is your word? Cancer? Isolation? Fear? Unemployment? Grief? … My current word is “frustration”.…
-
Clock Watching
I never thought of myself as a clock watcher until January 1st of this year. On that day, a glitch caused the clock on my SUV to always be at 12:15 when I turn on the ignition. Nothing I can do can update the time and the manufacturer says it will be at least six months before there is a fix for the problem. Every time I glance at the time on my dashboard, I am annoyed … and I look at it a lot. I’m not sure why time is such a high priority as I make my commute to work, but it is definitely on my mind. Time…
-
Absolute Joy
A little girl stands at the top of a hill. All around her are children, filled with glee as they go racing down through the snow with their sleds. She is uncertain. It is all so strange to her. Only weeks ago, she was in the hot, arid climate of Africa. She has had to adjust to many things since her move to our country. Our cold winter is a shock to her. Her experience with snow is limited and sledding is a large unknown. One of the staff on outside recess supervision approaches her with a sled. I can see the discussion and the sign language as the…
-
When Bad Persists
As I write this, I am working from home this week. Our jurisdiction postponed the start of school one week to give school boards the opportunity to make plans for the anticipated rough ride ahead with a new Covid variant. I am supposed to be planning but it is hard to know for what. Will school be in person? Will I need to instruct my students online for a time? Uncertainty breeds fear, discontent, and turmoil. I find myself feeling easily irritated and upset. I want normal life again. I don’t want to have to think about masks and protocols and adapting to all that is needed to function…
-
Look at Me
“Teacher, teacher, watch me do this.” I hear this comment multiple times in my teaching week, particularly on the playground. As students think they have mastered a new skill, they want to share that with me. It validates them in their minds. It helps them stand out in the myriad of students outside and gain that prized teacher’s attention. As we all do, these students want to matter and feel that have something special to contribute to school life. This need for validation seeps into adulthood as well. I know I often have done things for the “show” factor. I want people to see that I am smart or organized…
-
God Speaks
A baby is born into slavery. Life seems hopeless, but God has a plan. The baby grows up as an Egyptian prince. He learns from the best educators and is groomed for leadership. He knows the intricate workings of the Pharaoh’s life and work. Yet, all this seems for naught when he is caught in the act of murder and he must flee for his life. He takes on a new role – that of a shepherd in Midian. He marries and has children and leads a so-called everyday life. All that changes one day when he encounters a bush that is burning but not being consumed. His curiosity…
