For most of my life, I have been in school; either as a student or now, as a teacher. I tend to think of time in semesters, not in "real time." And to be really honest, along about the second week in May, I am "done." I was on college time for so long, that my body senses when it is time for finals and I am to be doing other things, such as being outside in the gorgeous weather and having lazy days, shopping and hanging out with friends at the ballpark.
So, in a few weeks Ty and I will be celebrating our "new year." Technically, his starts before mine because of two-a-days, but I imagine I will go into work after I drop him off and get my room organized. (This is also strategic planning on my part, as I might just have free reign on the copier -- and maybe, just maybe, it won't jam on me until the second or third time I use it -- insert knocking of wood here.)
My son is going to be a freshman this year, thus beginning a new chapter in his life as well as mine. Quite frankly, I don't remember my first day of high school. It wasn't really that big of a deal because that was back in the day when 9th grade was still at Collins Middle School. But Ty, however, will be going to a new school and for the first time in three years, I will not be there. He believes this is a good thing, and I do too, as I realize he needs his independence. But, I was unusually attached to his group this past year and will miss them all. It's hard for me not to still see him as the sweet little two year old that loved Blue's Clues and got excited about going to the park, McDonald's and buying toys at the Dollar General, lol. Before I know it, he will be a freshman in college and on his own.
The focus of this entry is to reflect on a passage I read this morning during my Bible Study. It is Ephesians 6 and it discusses parents and children and putting on the full armor of God. It is my prayer that while I know my job is not done, I hope that I have equipped him with enough knowledge to be able to stand his ground when faced with the temptations of life as a teenager in high school.
But, as I read this, I also thought of my position as a teacher. "Pray also for me, so that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains." (v. 19&20)
I'm not going to lie. By the time these kids get to me, I expect them to be able to follow instructions, rules and procedures. I am not the most patient person, so I tend to get frustrated when a student can't manage to bring a pen to class or acts as if they can't be bothered to do the assigned work. It's a struggle to sometimes maintain the position that I may be the only example of a Christian that some of these kids have. I am getting better though. I have grown both as a professional and a person in the last six semesters.
This year, as we embark on all the changes and upcoming milestones that will occur, I pray that we are mindful of our position and strive to be our best. On those days though that we do fall short, I am thankful that we have God's unlimited love and forgivness.
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