A fellow educator posted a cartoon in our Educator Facebook group that sums up my current feelings. It’s an image of the Peanuts character Lucy as she walks down the street. She’s frowning as she says, “I’ve never seen a summer go by so fast in all my life…”
Just as sure as the Summer Vacation begins it comes to an end. I have already had one Professional Development last week and three sessions this week. I’m afraid these are my last days of freedom and then it’s BACK TO SCHOOL… Good Grief!
Honestly, it’s the school year that makes the Summer Vacation so wonderful. When my days are challenging, I draw from the moments of bliss that I’ve experienced in summers past and dream about the summer to come. It’s a work-play balance that works for me. I work really hard throughout the school year and I play really hard during the summer.
Even in those endless teacher meetings, I look forward to the lazy days and music festivals that fuel my spirit. I know I’ll spend time with my friends over long lunches and catch up on shows that I’ve missed all year. Teaching high school has it challenges but I can make it through knowing that even the most challenging year promises to end in June.
Just this morning I was reminded of a promise of better things to come in God’s Word. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Even when we are at our wits end, God instructs us not to allow the situation to cause us to be anxious. This sounds a lot like teenagers, our jobs, and infertility. Things hardly ever go as we plan but we must resist the temptation to be anxious.
Instead God invites us to use the privilege we’ve been given to take our requests to Him. He wants us to confess our disappointment, frustration, and fears. He can handle our true feelings no matter what they are. He knows that we are repeatedly challenged by physical pain and emotional pain that shakes us to the core and robs of us of hope.
When we approach him with thanksgiving, He promises to give us peace that surpasses any understanding we can muster. This peace refreshes us and gives relief to our aching hearts and cluttered minds. It will create a shield that protects us from the thoughts that seek to steal our joy.
Claim this promise for yourself to use whenever you need it. This promise is better than the count down calendar in my classroom. It’s better than reliving the Cincinnati Music Festival in my head. This place of peace offers rest for the weary soul and is available all year round.
HOPE-Filled Thought: God’s Word is true and He promises to give me peace.
Prayer: Thank You Lord that you provide promises for your children. Help me not to worry about the things that concern me and to trust in you. I submit my cares to you and I receive your peace with thanksgiving and it is so. Amen.
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