We are getting in to the groove and routine of the new school year with our new groups of students. One of the joys and challenges about being an elementary teacher is that every year brings a new group of students with individual strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, and a myriad of other differences.
For example, my class last year looked at me like I was a CRAZY PERSON when I explained that we would be tearing paper instead of using scissors to make art, but my class this year jumped right in and LOVED IT!!
It takes time to gauge the dynamic of a new group of students, and we are still finding things that work with our classes and things that don't. This can be a frustrating process, but in the end, our goal is to reach each individual child - academically, behaviorally, and spiritually. How wonderful that at our school we can address ALL aspects of a child's development, including their spiritual growth.
Even on the most frustrating of days, we can remember that God placed us in Korea, at our specific school, with these specific students for a reason, and He will accomplish His purpose. The most that we can do is diligently do the job that God has called us to do, pray for our students daily, and be an example of Christlikeness for them.
In morning devotions this week, a fellow teacher was talking about some struggles that have come with transitioning to life in Korea. The Bible verse that kept coming back to her was one from Psalm 27. It says...
"I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living."
Psalm 27:13
This verse really struck me as I sat there listening. I may not be transitioning to Korea anymore (although I learn new things all the time), but every year is a transition as I figure out what works with each individual student and each group of students. Even when things are tough, I can choose to be confident that I will see the good that the Lord is accomplishing through my work with these little ones. I am being faithful to the call that God gave me, and even when I fail or when things don't go as well as I thought that they would, God's purpose and plan will still prevail! What a great and wonderful God we serve!
~Laura~
