It is finally here. That special time of year. The snow is gone and spring is in the air. This is a special time of year because everything is coming back to life. Right now its mostly tulips and daffodils, but the maple and pear trees are also starting to emerge. The mums are back. The sedum is back. Plants are awesome.
This is the time of year when I walk around the house every single day and watch the progress of life. I tell you, there are few things so glorious as to watch a tulip over a few weeks as it sprouts, grows, buds and blooms. God is awesome and all of creation speaks to us of his glory.
Winter is over. It is time for our spirits to get up. No more pot roasts for a while. Fire up the grill. Get the kids outside. No more cabin fever. Go look at the plants that are growing at your house. Watch them leaf, bud and bloom. It is a holy thing.
Praise God! My tulips are coming up!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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We didn't get ourselves to church this morning, so I decided to spend a few minutes reading your blog... haven't read it in a few months. And... well, I was kind of worried about you, frankly! I sat behind you in church last week. It was kind of like a celebrity siting for me, actually. LOL My husband was out of town, so I was by myself... you know...dealing with that same awkward feeling one has when dining alone... Well, here are my precise thoughts: "doo doo doooooo...whew. it's crowded in here today. Glad I found a seat. Hmm. That's Scott Brinkman in front of me... and allll the Brinkmans. SUCH a handsome family. HEY!? WHO'S THAT? IS THAT JEFF? Hmm. Jeff. 'Normal people.' Hanging out with the civilians. Cool."
Well, then I actually did tune in to what was going on in the service!
But, I did want to share that I loved the way Scott looked at you...kind of "checking" on you. His looks kind of said, "Is Dad okay?" Boy, that kid loves you! What a neat young man.
And, yes... I've been reading your blog this morning. Always good words.
I am a teacher. I started my own blog last year... mostly to try and keep parents updated about homework and such. Well, I am unable to access my blog account from school (blocked). PLUS, my building implemented a Homework Email system THIS year... So, long story short, I wrote about 7 blogs and quit. It took me a good long while to sign in today, 'cause I couldn't even remember my password. So, I continue to be impressed at your discipline for writing EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! Amazing.
Okay, so I was reading the blog, and I was thinking about how your job and my job are similar. Yes, I get the weekends and summers off! LOL But, the "disheartened" feeling? OH, YES. OH, IT IS TERRIBLE! It just eats me alive sometimes when I just feel like I do not matter one BIT to what these young people choose to do or not do. (I teach 8th grade... and I teach in a district where parent support is the exception, not the rule.) The feeling is worst when I have taught and taught and taught...TAUGHT MY SOCKS OFF... I ask them to study... I do cartwheels... And, the result is the same as always. "Huh? We have a test today?" or, with a big project: "I don't HAVE mine!!!"
But, yes. I love what you said about picturing yourself doing another job. (Ha! There were times during my first year of teaching when I would say I fantasized about being ANYTHING other than a teacher!!! Firefighter...Department of Transportation Flag Holder... Any job that did not require "homework" or a great deal of actual human contact...)
And, yes... When you get right down to it... Being a teacher is a huge part of who I am. I am so proud of what I do. I am so proud that IF I have to work - and I feel that I do -- IF I have to work, at least I am doing this job that I love, where I make a difference, and I am being this example for my own children. They get to see me working for too-little-money to do something that IS NOT at all about money... something that really, really matters. And, from the time I started education classes, what I ALWAYS wanted to be was an example, role model, and inspiration to my students. If I were not a teacher, a huge part of me would disappear, and I know I would really miss "her."
This year has not been the hardest, and has not been the easiest. But, I will say I think I have been a better teacher. (Maybe the best yet?) You know why? On a drive to school waaaay back in August, it occurred to me (I have all my best "talks" with God on my 35 minute drive to school): "Mary Beth, why is your church life and work life separate? Make His words REAL. Live it........ How would Jesus TEACH?" (I really want to put even MORE emphasis on that word "teach." Where's the bold print and underline feature? LOL)
When you teach, it is so important (and I have always TRIED to do this) to say, "Forgive them; they know not what they do." ... like the day after my grandmother died when I intercepted the note declaring "Mrs. Hope is such a b..."
But, this was a new thought... a how-do-I-make-each-day-about-God's-glory thought.
And, of COURSE, it has helped.
How would Jesus teach. So simple. Why did it take me ten years to hear that? And, to just BARELY get started implementing the idea? I will spend the next 20 years trying to live it. And, if I can try to live it, I pray that God will use me for good!
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