Yes, you know I'm a math teacher. Specifically I teach Algebra I. I tell my students often that most everything boils down to equations. Christmas shopping is no different.
I'm also the world's greatest procrastinator when it comes to Christmas shopping. My kids think I do this because I enjoy it. Actually, it's hard for me to get serious about shopping until after the semester is done at school. I assure you - I don't like shopping, and I certainly don't like shopping when all the other procrastinators are in the stores.
I've been especially frustrated lately because of a trend I see in stores more than ever before. Unfortunately this has started taking place more at one particular store, which is the place I do most of my clothes shopping at throughout the year. These stores are promoting sales where you can buy 1 item at regular price and get 2 or 3 of a comparably priced item for free. I'm sure many people hear this and think it's a great deal. However this isn't really the case. Let me show you why.
Let's say I go to my favorite clothing store, only needing one pair of pants. I don't need 2, 3 or 4 pairs, only one. But their sale is buy one, get 2 free. This actually happened to me back in August when I was shopping for school clothes. Now usually this store offers a discount on pants, maybe 20% or so, during the year. But with the current offer, you have to pay regular price for one pair of pants. This could easily run about $60.
So, if I buy 1, get 2 free, I end up paying about $20 per pair. If I needed 3 pair, this is a pretty good deal. But I don't need 3 pair. So the store is making me spend $60 to get more pants than I need. And they know I'm not about to just buy one pair for $60 and leave the 2 free pairs behind.
If you think about this spiritually, I believe this sale is a temptation to me in terms of stewardship. God has called me to be a good manager of His resources in all things. Back in August, when the sale at the clothing store was buy 2, get 3 free, I did buy the pants that time, even though I didn't need 5 pairs of pants. I just realized that I still have 2 pairs of pants from that purchase that are still in the original bag. I'll be taking these back to the store next week to hopefully exchange them for something else I need more right now. I want to manage my resources as an act of worship to God. That means I need to be a wise shopper and think and pray well over these matters.
Ok, I guess I can climb off my soapbox for now. But I guess, as a math teacher and a believer who wants to give God control of everything in my life, I am retail's greatest nightmare. Although they will probably make enough money this Christmas that they aren't really worried much about me.
Mr. B.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
The Hard Part of Teaching
I've seen a number of teachers post a link to this article online about the hard part of teaching. I reference it here just so everyone knows what I'm talking about:
The Hard Part of Teaching
In the article, the writer goes into a lot of detail about their view of the hard part of teaching: there is never enough. I'll let you read the article for yourself rather than have me give the details.
As a teacher myself, I can't disagree with much of what was written in the article. I, too, struggle with a lot of the same types of issues. For me, I can definitely relate to the concerns that are more personal in nature - picking my battles, being flexible, always wanting to improve each year, etc. I have worked in a number of professions in all my years in the workforce, and I definitely believe that teaching has been the most challenging and most rewarding at the same time. I've put in more hours a week as a teacher than I have in any other job I've ever had.
But what the article lacks is one important thing - a positive reflection on the calling of a teacher. The article is very negative overall. It doesn't matter if it represents a lot of truth about teaching and its challenges. What does matter is that a teacher who is called to the profession must have an anchor in what this role is really all about - preparing students to make a positive impact in the world. If that anchor is in place, you will be able to rise above the challenges that try to get in the way. They will not conquer you or completely derail your efforts in the classroom.
Now, I do realize the challenges are very real. I see myself in much of what is discussed in the article. There are days when I wonder how it will all get done - and done in the right way. But this article looks to me like something I've done myself in other ways. Sometimes when I get frustrated, when the work just piles up, or when I don't feel appreciated, I want others to know. Maybe if they can appreciate what I'm going through, then either something will change or at least I'll feel better now that they know. Any good feeling I gain from this type of thing is very short in duration. Then I'm faced with the same situations, and I must continue to seek the right solutions.
As a teacher in a Christian school, I believe this sense of calling also has spiritual value. I assure you that if I didn't know I had a calling from God to this school ministry, I'd be doing something else. But God sees things differently than I do, and certainly differently than the world does. In my case, I have a spiritual calling from God to be a teacher in a Christian school. That gives me access to His strength to persevere through the types of issues in this article. There are still challenges, but He gives me victory every time in what matters to Him.
I realize not every teacher has the awesome privilege of working in a Christian school. So to all teachers, I say to remember why you became a teacher in the first place. If, like the author of the article, all you can see are the problems you face and the struggles that get in the way, then it might be time to consider where you really want to be and what makes you happy. But I can tell you from experience - the grass is not always greener in some other field. But for the ones who can see past the difficulties and challenges, and remember why you do what you do, the opportunities to impact the lives of many students awaits you.
Mr. B.
The Hard Part of Teaching
In the article, the writer goes into a lot of detail about their view of the hard part of teaching: there is never enough. I'll let you read the article for yourself rather than have me give the details.
As a teacher myself, I can't disagree with much of what was written in the article. I, too, struggle with a lot of the same types of issues. For me, I can definitely relate to the concerns that are more personal in nature - picking my battles, being flexible, always wanting to improve each year, etc. I have worked in a number of professions in all my years in the workforce, and I definitely believe that teaching has been the most challenging and most rewarding at the same time. I've put in more hours a week as a teacher than I have in any other job I've ever had.
But what the article lacks is one important thing - a positive reflection on the calling of a teacher. The article is very negative overall. It doesn't matter if it represents a lot of truth about teaching and its challenges. What does matter is that a teacher who is called to the profession must have an anchor in what this role is really all about - preparing students to make a positive impact in the world. If that anchor is in place, you will be able to rise above the challenges that try to get in the way. They will not conquer you or completely derail your efforts in the classroom.
Now, I do realize the challenges are very real. I see myself in much of what is discussed in the article. There are days when I wonder how it will all get done - and done in the right way. But this article looks to me like something I've done myself in other ways. Sometimes when I get frustrated, when the work just piles up, or when I don't feel appreciated, I want others to know. Maybe if they can appreciate what I'm going through, then either something will change or at least I'll feel better now that they know. Any good feeling I gain from this type of thing is very short in duration. Then I'm faced with the same situations, and I must continue to seek the right solutions.
As a teacher in a Christian school, I believe this sense of calling also has spiritual value. I assure you that if I didn't know I had a calling from God to this school ministry, I'd be doing something else. But God sees things differently than I do, and certainly differently than the world does. In my case, I have a spiritual calling from God to be a teacher in a Christian school. That gives me access to His strength to persevere through the types of issues in this article. There are still challenges, but He gives me victory every time in what matters to Him.
I realize not every teacher has the awesome privilege of working in a Christian school. So to all teachers, I say to remember why you became a teacher in the first place. If, like the author of the article, all you can see are the problems you face and the struggles that get in the way, then it might be time to consider where you really want to be and what makes you happy. But I can tell you from experience - the grass is not always greener in some other field. But for the ones who can see past the difficulties and challenges, and remember why you do what you do, the opportunities to impact the lives of many students awaits you.
Mr. B.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
My Plan or God's Plan
I have often asked myself why things are the way they are. I trusted Christ as my Lord and Savior at the age of 9. I've certainly made a lot of mistakes along my spiritual journey, but I can look back at my life and see a growing relationship with Him. While I have a lot to learn, I see God doing a great work in me, making me more like Christ everyday.
I also know the Bible never promises an easy life for a Christian. No where in Scripture do I read that as a believer it's smooth sailing from now through eternity. The Bible certainly promises us that God will provide for us, exactly what we need that's also consistent with His will for our lives. I mean, He owns the cattle on a 1,000 hills - it's all His anyway, and He desires to bless us in ways that keep us growing in Him.
But I must tell you, it's one thing to know these truths and another thing to truly believe them. Anyone can know information, but belief is what translates that knowledge to wisdom and trust. I've got to tell you that today, I'm really struggling with some of this. Not because I don't believe in God. Not because I doubt that Scripture is true and without error. But because living it is hard. Some days, like today, really hard.
When I get to this place, I remember several important things. God doesn't want to leave me where I am today. What I'm experiencing today is just another part of the spiritual journey He's got me on. That usually means the journey gets a little more difficult sometimes. God is faithful to His Word, only allowing what we can stand and always giving us the way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13).
I often remember the story in Mark 9:14-29, when Jesus & His disciples are approached by a man who has a son with a mute spirit in him. This is a pretty difficult situation, which the father describes in great detail. The man asked the disciples to heal his son, but they can't do it. As He usually does, Jesus uses this as a teachable moment for them (and me). He calls them out for their lack of faith, then gets more info from the man about his son.
Don't miss this next part. The father describes in even more detail how difficult the situation is with his son. It's a desperate situation, one that has no answers. But the man says something very important: "But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us" (v. 22). This says to me that even in his desperate state, the man believes that Jesus can do something to help. Jesus then makes the most important statement on this: "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes" (v. 23). Then the man makes a statement that so often summarizes perfectly where I am in times like this: "Lord, I believe: help my unbelief" (v. 24). Also notice he "cried out with tears". He came to the end of himself and cried out to Jesus for help.
I think the man is saying, I believe in You, Jesus. I know You can heal and provide for my son. But my belief is blurred by the situation, my desperation, the enemy telling me I can't do it, that the cause is hopeless, what I desire can't be done, and there's no hope. The text also tells me that the man tried everything he knew to do, and none of these things brought the healing his son needed. Only when he came to this point and surrendered to Jesus did everything fall into place. In fact, after this, Jesus healed his son.
I've told my students this before - you can know everything about God and the Bible, but unless it translates to faith, trust and belief, it will not mean anything. Can we really trust God to do what He says? Is there anything in our lives that is too difficult for Him? Can we believe He knows what's best for us, especially when it's not what we want or prefer? If God took away everything from me, would He still be enough?
I know the answers to these questions. The knowledge is in my head, based on a lot of years living as a Christian, going to church, listening to sermons & teaching, and reading the Bible. There are just some days, like today, when that knowledge is put to the test and is being moved from my head to my heart. It is being solidified into belief. So today, as the man in the story did, I cry out to God: "Lord, I believe: help my unbelief."
Mr. B.
I also know the Bible never promises an easy life for a Christian. No where in Scripture do I read that as a believer it's smooth sailing from now through eternity. The Bible certainly promises us that God will provide for us, exactly what we need that's also consistent with His will for our lives. I mean, He owns the cattle on a 1,000 hills - it's all His anyway, and He desires to bless us in ways that keep us growing in Him.
But I must tell you, it's one thing to know these truths and another thing to truly believe them. Anyone can know information, but belief is what translates that knowledge to wisdom and trust. I've got to tell you that today, I'm really struggling with some of this. Not because I don't believe in God. Not because I doubt that Scripture is true and without error. But because living it is hard. Some days, like today, really hard.
When I get to this place, I remember several important things. God doesn't want to leave me where I am today. What I'm experiencing today is just another part of the spiritual journey He's got me on. That usually means the journey gets a little more difficult sometimes. God is faithful to His Word, only allowing what we can stand and always giving us the way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13).
I often remember the story in Mark 9:14-29, when Jesus & His disciples are approached by a man who has a son with a mute spirit in him. This is a pretty difficult situation, which the father describes in great detail. The man asked the disciples to heal his son, but they can't do it. As He usually does, Jesus uses this as a teachable moment for them (and me). He calls them out for their lack of faith, then gets more info from the man about his son.
Don't miss this next part. The father describes in even more detail how difficult the situation is with his son. It's a desperate situation, one that has no answers. But the man says something very important: "But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us" (v. 22). This says to me that even in his desperate state, the man believes that Jesus can do something to help. Jesus then makes the most important statement on this: "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes" (v. 23). Then the man makes a statement that so often summarizes perfectly where I am in times like this: "Lord, I believe: help my unbelief" (v. 24). Also notice he "cried out with tears". He came to the end of himself and cried out to Jesus for help.
I think the man is saying, I believe in You, Jesus. I know You can heal and provide for my son. But my belief is blurred by the situation, my desperation, the enemy telling me I can't do it, that the cause is hopeless, what I desire can't be done, and there's no hope. The text also tells me that the man tried everything he knew to do, and none of these things brought the healing his son needed. Only when he came to this point and surrendered to Jesus did everything fall into place. In fact, after this, Jesus healed his son.
I've told my students this before - you can know everything about God and the Bible, but unless it translates to faith, trust and belief, it will not mean anything. Can we really trust God to do what He says? Is there anything in our lives that is too difficult for Him? Can we believe He knows what's best for us, especially when it's not what we want or prefer? If God took away everything from me, would He still be enough?
I know the answers to these questions. The knowledge is in my head, based on a lot of years living as a Christian, going to church, listening to sermons & teaching, and reading the Bible. There are just some days, like today, when that knowledge is put to the test and is being moved from my head to my heart. It is being solidified into belief. So today, as the man in the story did, I cry out to God: "Lord, I believe: help my unbelief."
Mr. B.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Jesus In My Place
Great song. Great message. From Summit Worship: Jesus In My Place.
On my worst of days, what can wash away my sin?
When I fall again and I hear “condemned,” on this I’ll stand
Living the life I could not live, Dying the death that I deserved
Jesus in my place, Jesus in my place
This is hope, this is grace, Jesus in my place
On my best of days, what can wash away my pride?
When my greatest deeds fail to make me clean, in this I’ll trust
On that final day, when I stand and face my God
Bold and confident, I will say Lord this is all I have
Living the life I could not live, Dying the death that I deserved
Bearing my sin to pay the price, Rising again to give me life!
Jesus in my place, Jesus in my place
This is hope, this is grace, Jesus in my place
Mercy on display, powerful to save
This is life, this is faith, Jesus in my place
Written by Matt Papa and Jonathan Welch
© 2011 Love Your Enemies Publishing (ASCAP); Doorkeeper Publishing (ASCAP)
On my worst of days, what can wash away my sin?
When I fall again and I hear “condemned,” on this I’ll stand
Living the life I could not live, Dying the death that I deserved
Jesus in my place, Jesus in my place
This is hope, this is grace, Jesus in my place
On my best of days, what can wash away my pride?
When my greatest deeds fail to make me clean, in this I’ll trust
On that final day, when I stand and face my God
Bold and confident, I will say Lord this is all I have
Living the life I could not live, Dying the death that I deserved
Bearing my sin to pay the price, Rising again to give me life!
Jesus in my place, Jesus in my place
This is hope, this is grace, Jesus in my place
Mercy on display, powerful to save
This is life, this is faith, Jesus in my place
Written by Matt Papa and Jonathan Welch
© 2011 Love Your Enemies Publishing (ASCAP); Doorkeeper Publishing (ASCAP)
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