I have been a guest teacher in our local public school district for a few years now. (In case you're wondering, "guest teacher" is the more professional, politically correct name for a substitute teacher.) I have a lot of fun and I really like the flexibility it affords me. There have been some challenging moments, but I generally have had good experiences in the classroom. A couple of months ago I was asked to guest teach at a private Christian school in my neighborhood. I filled in for three weeks for a teacher who was recovering from surgery. The class was small, just 15 kids, and pretty well-behaved.
Every morning started with a Bible lesson. Quite a departure from the normal public school curriculum! The entire school also attends a weekly chapel service. It is here that our story begins. In keeping with the tradition of the school's denominational affiliation, everyone recites the Lord's prayer in unison during chapel. I memorized the Lord's prayer as a child, but I must admit that it isn't something I regularly recite or meditate on. I was a little nervous and pleasantly surprised that I remembered this passage as well as I did. I was also so amazed at how beautiful those children's voices sounded as they all prayed together.
The line of the prayer that really resonated with me was, "Give us this day our daily bread." I began to ponder those words and what they mean for my life. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow hasn't arrived, all I really need is my portion for today. I don't need to worry or fret about what may or may not happen. God is my provider. He will give me exactly what I need for this moment.
All too often I get in a hurry and start to think about what's to come rather than simply looking at what is happening right now. I get overwhelmed and the temptation to worry is huge! My imagination overtakes me and soon I've made a mountain out of a molehill. So, this week I am challenging myself to focus on thanking God for my "daily bread." He is always faithful and His portions are just the right size!
Rejoice in the things that are present; all else is beyond thee. - Montaigne
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
2010 Hope Renewed
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? Isaiah 43:19
A new year. A new decade. A fresh start. A blank page just waiting for this season of my life to be written on. I'm so thankful that 2010 has arrived.
Last year was a difficult year for me. A storm was brewing, but I failed to notice the weather change until the rains began to fall. As the flood waters began to rise, I clung to the Rock with all of my strength. But the waves increased in frequency and intensity; I lost my grip and slipped into the water.
At first I attempted to fight my way to the surface. If only I could catch my breath! Soon I grew weary and started to sink into the depths where there was no light, no warmth, no hope. "I'm drowning!" I realized. My strength gone, I was suspended in the darkness for what seemed like an eternity.
Suddenly, one particularly strong wave pushed me up to the surface for a brief moment. Just long enough for me to cry out for help. Almost in an instant a life boat appeared. The responders rescued me from the depths and helped me to breath easy once again. They took me to shelter where I could rest and recover while the storm passes. Thankfully, the dark clouds are drifting away and the flood waters are subsiding.
During this time of respite I've discovered a renewed sense of hope. I am growing healthier, stronger, and more energetic with each new day.
I'm so thankful for those responders, my friends who love me, pray for me, and support me. My favorite definition of a friend: A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you've forgotten the words. I not only forgot the words, I almost forgot that there was even a song. I'm starting to hum the tune again...
2010 My year to hope, dream, and simply embrace life!!!
"Once you choose hope, anything's possible." - Christopher Reeve
A new year. A new decade. A fresh start. A blank page just waiting for this season of my life to be written on. I'm so thankful that 2010 has arrived.
Last year was a difficult year for me. A storm was brewing, but I failed to notice the weather change until the rains began to fall. As the flood waters began to rise, I clung to the Rock with all of my strength. But the waves increased in frequency and intensity; I lost my grip and slipped into the water.
At first I attempted to fight my way to the surface. If only I could catch my breath! Soon I grew weary and started to sink into the depths where there was no light, no warmth, no hope. "I'm drowning!" I realized. My strength gone, I was suspended in the darkness for what seemed like an eternity.
Suddenly, one particularly strong wave pushed me up to the surface for a brief moment. Just long enough for me to cry out for help. Almost in an instant a life boat appeared. The responders rescued me from the depths and helped me to breath easy once again. They took me to shelter where I could rest and recover while the storm passes. Thankfully, the dark clouds are drifting away and the flood waters are subsiding.
During this time of respite I've discovered a renewed sense of hope. I am growing healthier, stronger, and more energetic with each new day.
I'm so thankful for those responders, my friends who love me, pray for me, and support me. My favorite definition of a friend: A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you've forgotten the words. I not only forgot the words, I almost forgot that there was even a song. I'm starting to hum the tune again...
2010 My year to hope, dream, and simply embrace life!!!
"Once you choose hope, anything's possible." - Christopher Reeve
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