The warm, lazy days of summer are quickly coming to an end, here in sunny Georgia. In my school system, teachers return tomorrow and the students will follow at the end of the week. It's pretty amazing to reflect over the summer and all that was accomplished and experienced. It has been very good.
Now, though, it is time to look ahead. As we scurry to buy notebook paper, pencils, and book bags, it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of it all. It's easy to be stressed and short-tempered with those we love. Maybe it's because we don't enjoy change, or we know that expectations will be higher during the school year, than during the relaxing time of summer. Whether we are ready for it or not, though, the new year is steadily plodding our way.
As a new page is turned, it's important to seek God's direction for our lives, set goals, and start moving towards them. One thing I've learned in the last little while is that if I face each situation I find myself in with the mindset of "God has placed me here for His purpose", it is much easier to handle the bumps and bruises. Seeking Him first makes it all worth it. If you are a teacher and you know Jesus personally, you aren't just a teacher of academics. You are Jesus' hands and feet to the children you teach and you are His words of encouragement to the teachers you work with. Pray that He will set purpose in your heart and make you aware of the exact plan He has for you this year.
Whatever your career, He has a purpose for you. It is not just to be a cashier or a teller or a truck driver. It goes way beyond that! He wants to use you in the lives of those around you.
As we step into a new school year, no matter your job title, step into it with solid footing. Look beyond the requirements of the day to day grind. Look for ways you can impact others eternally. Then, when summer rolls around again, you can look back and know that you've made a difference.
Now, though, it is time to look ahead. As we scurry to buy notebook paper, pencils, and book bags, it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of it all. It's easy to be stressed and short-tempered with those we love. Maybe it's because we don't enjoy change, or we know that expectations will be higher during the school year, than during the relaxing time of summer. Whether we are ready for it or not, though, the new year is steadily plodding our way.
As a new page is turned, it's important to seek God's direction for our lives, set goals, and start moving towards them. One thing I've learned in the last little while is that if I face each situation I find myself in with the mindset of "God has placed me here for His purpose", it is much easier to handle the bumps and bruises. Seeking Him first makes it all worth it. If you are a teacher and you know Jesus personally, you aren't just a teacher of academics. You are Jesus' hands and feet to the children you teach and you are His words of encouragement to the teachers you work with. Pray that He will set purpose in your heart and make you aware of the exact plan He has for you this year.
Whatever your career, He has a purpose for you. It is not just to be a cashier or a teller or a truck driver. It goes way beyond that! He wants to use you in the lives of those around you.
As we step into a new school year, no matter your job title, step into it with solid footing. Look beyond the requirements of the day to day grind. Look for ways you can impact others eternally. Then, when summer rolls around again, you can look back and know that you've made a difference.