for Jesus

I want to learn how to better pray the scriptures.  I know this can be powerful, but I don't do this enough - partly because I haven't put much effort into learning how.  One of these days, I intend to take Beth Moore's study on this topic, but until then, I want to try to find key scriptures for areas that I know I struggle in and very often end in defeat and depression. 

One of those areas lately is work.  I teach high school English, and this can be pretty draining - emotionally and physically and mentally.  Anyway, I can't tell you how many times I heard teachers say this sentence yesterday - "I'm over it!"  There is currently MUCH to be "over" in education in general and especially in our particular school/county/state right now. 

However, I knew when I was getting into teaching, I would be underpaid, overworked, and unappreciated. I knew I was going to have to work along side those who - well, to be quite honest, I have no idea WHY they are teaching! Why else would you teach except for the kids?!  Right!??!  Yet, so many seem to make it their mission in education to make kids' lives miserable - and the lives of those teachers attempting to instill in them hope, a love of learning, and just overall character growth.

I guess lately, I also am "over it!"  But like I said, I knew what I was getting into when I took this job.  These things shouldn't be a surprise, but somehow they are lately...

I know teaching is where I should be because when I think about other careers, I can see me in no other place but teaching - and specifically teaching at this high school where I work.  I've got to work - financially - but even more than that, I want to work!

So as I contemplated why I've been feeling so miserable at work... why when I walk through the doors I instantly have this feeling of dread for my day... I realized my mission/focus was out of wack! I teach because Jesus called me to teach.  I coach because I believe he called me there too.

So since He called me to do these things, I need to do them as unto Him.  So here's the scripture I'm going to try to memorize and say before I walk into the school, during my planning and lunch, and as I get ready to end my day...

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

So, I do not teach for the rude parents, the ungrateful students... I do it for the Lord!  Because He called me to do it, and because He can do amazing things through the most unusual people - me (unskilled in many ways), Moses (who couldn't speak publicly, fearful), David (had a man killed, committed adultery, but was still known as a man after God's own heart), Peter (denied Jesus three times, but he was the rock on which the church was built), and Paul (killed Christians for fun, then became the most well-respected one of them!)

I know He can use me here where I teach!  Besides, I do intend to have Beth go to school here one day. She already loves cheering on the cheifs! :-)))  I should stay, and help Jesus shine a light in this dark place - for her, for her future fellow peers, but most importantly for Jesus.  This is where He has called me to serve.

 My girl and me at the last Friday night football game yesterday where I teach.