Learning . . .

If I were to "title" this current season in our lives, I would call it Learning.

Lately I have been so overwhelmed by the many things I have been learning; at times this was joyful and other times this was quite frustrating. Amidst one of these frustrating evenings, my dear friend Stephanie said, "Isn't funny how we often ask God to use these new experiences to teach us something, and then when He does, we more often than not do not welcome it at the time." Yes! How this hit my heart that night.

Everyday I leave my classroom with my mind filled with all the events that occurred that day. My drive home is usually quiet as I reflect on my reactions to situation and how I handled myself in the classroom and with situations with students. I have been encouraged because I have just recently been pleased with the way I handled some situations. I love the fact that every day brings new occurrences and lessons to learn from, and yet that can be quite difficult as well-and draining might I add. I have learned so much about the power of my words. My goal is through every situation for my students to know how much I care for them, and I desire for them to see Christ through everything I do. I hate the days I come home feeling like I have failed, and failed my students. I am trying to do all I can to learn from these times and do it better the next time around. But I can not be more thankful for this job. As drained as I usually feel, I love going to work the next day.

This past year and 2 months of marriage have been amazing. I have been so thankful of how Brandon and I continue to learn how to communicate and serve one another. I have realized how much I am still learning how to submit to him. I am still needing to learn what it looks like, and how I can fulfill my role in that way. I hope to read more about this topic over my break, and I am so excited to do so. Any book suggestions?

It is an overwhelming thought that our lives will be filled with this learning process; there is just SO much to take it. What peace knowing that God is so faithful in it all, and He promises place us in these trials, and then also to sustain us through them.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet various trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete and lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

James 1:2-5