Well, another summer is done for me. I go back to school tomorrow for teacher in-service training. Then, one week later, the students arrive. While I am always sad that summer vacation has to end, I also enter this new school year with great anticipation of God doing a great work.
As I mentioned in my last blog post, every member of my family is undergoing some sort of transition or change this year. Mine is moving back to 8th grade and becoming a department head. As I've been working through some pre-planning, I believe God is already working on me first even before the students arrive at school. I'm excited about what He's showing me. There's still much to do, but I'm trusting Him to do something beyond my imagination this year.
This year I will have the pleasure of teaching most of the same students I taught last year. I'm sure some of them aren't completely happy about that fact. But I hope to lead them well in learning about Algebra and the God who made it. I will miss working with the 7th grade team this year, but I'm also excited about working with the 8th grade team. I am very thankful to be able to work in the ministry of NRCA.
The message today at Summit Church was awesome, as usual. Some of the notes I took certainly apply to how I want to approach this year. They include the following:
- Desire to live a life that matters for eternity.
- We can't make God move in our lives, but we can make room for Him to move.
- The best I can offer God in my own strength is a filthy rag.
- We cannot manipulate God, but we can trust Him.
- Grab hold of Jesus and don't let Him go.
That last one is good...grab hold of Jesus and don't let Him go. The only way I see that God can do something beyond my imagination is if I let go and get out of the way. I desire to let go of my plans, my desires, my will, and grab hold of what He has for me. And not let go. I pray that will be my focus for this school year. I need to get out of the way. He is more than able to make this a great year, for me and my students. Grab hold of Him and don't let go.
Mr. B.
