Blessings beyond measure...

Blessings...

We have so many blessings in every aspect of our lives. I have taught in the classroom for 22 years. I have been in education 24 at the public school level. I taught 13 concurrently at the college level. Each class has differing personalities. Each class has students who are blessings, challenges, frustrations, and unique in all aspects. Some classes are social and it is a challenge to keep them focused. Other classes are quiet and the challenge is engagement. Some classes are large and some are small in numbers, but mighty in ability to grasp the knowledge and challenge me for more. Some classes are advanced and others are a wonderful blend of every learning ability and style. But..But God has placed students in my path this year that are exactly what my heart needed. Yes, not all are perfect and who wants that. I will take the unique personalities, the challenges, the desire to learn, the ones I need to push, and the blessings.

I have one class in particular that is social, hard to keep on task, but the grasp of knowledge is there. The drive is there. They challenge me daily. The students within that class that have discovered my blog. Some of them read it. When asked what kind of a blog, I replied, "A Christian blog". One student said, "Even better." That is a blessing indeed. These students understand God. They understand His life. They understand my heart for Him. I don't stand and preach. I just live. I am free to do that. I am free to live my Christian life in front of my students without fear. That is the greatest blessing God has given me. I needed that more than all. Will there come a time that this particular blessing is challenged? I don't know! I pray that never happens and I am not faced with that reality.

James 1:17 states, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." I feel this way every day even though some days are difficult. Some days are more of a challenge than others. Some days, I have to be more strict, show discipline, and look to the Lord for strength to get through that day. Hebrews 12:6 says, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”Just as God disciplines us, I have to show discipline to my students. But just as God loves us, I love my students. What a wonderful blessing!