Battling through each day
The battle is so worth it.
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. “ John 15:5 (NLT)
Battling the beginning
Twenty-three years ago, I started my first year as a teacher. I was so excited to begin my first day and I was so prepared, or so I thought. I was teaching Sixth Grade Social Studies at Greensboro East Elementary. Of course, I went into my classroom with a box full of candy bars and was prepared to win every student over. For many reasons, this is not what happened. Because I battled through each day alone, I accomplished very little of the most important things.
Importance of Relationships
I thought I knew everything I needed to know as a teacher, but I quickly realized I knew nothing. Not to mention, I had no idea the importance of getting to know my students. I felt my only job was to teach. Teaching is just one part, which in my opinion isn’t the most important. This is something I didn’t realize until many years later.
Focus on Student relationship
Now that I am wrapping up my twenty-third year as a Sixth Grade Math Teacher, I feel the most important job for me as a teacher is to establish a relationship with students so they feel connected to me, trust me, and know that I care about them. Teaching them math takes second place.
Battling no longer alone
As a result, I am no longer battling through each day alone. Asking God to give me the words needed in situations, asking for His help daily and sometimes hourly, and simply praying for my students has been the biggest game changer for me. It has been years full of God teaching me along the way how to be the best teacher that I can be.
Battling through each day with the Lord
This Monday morning, I walked into my classroom to find a red gift bag with a blue bow. Inside I found the sweetest gift. A handmade card along with a hand painted cup was on my desk. The note inside said it all and confirmed for me why I teach. My favorite sentence by this student, “I’ve learned math to kindness.” Being a teacher is filled with very difficult days but it is also filled with days that are so worth it. Just don’t forget to be battling through each day with the Lord.
2 Chronicles 20:15 New Living Translation (NLT) 15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
Counting My Blessings,
Susan Browder
Additional readings:
https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2018/10/02/living-a-golden-rule-life/
