Saturday Sayings: Immovable, Strong, and Steady
This is the first and most likely the last time I'll do something like share a scripture for my Saturday Saying, but it seemed like the only thing I could really pull off today. After a rough start to the year and an even tougher last few weeks, this morning it's hard to imagine that I have any wisdom worth sharing with other teachers. After 19 years of feeling like I'm doing okay, year number 20 makes me feel rather under-qualified for the job. It probably sounds rather melodramatic, but it's where I'm at. I should probably apologize for the times when my blog has given the impression that all things Miss McMorrow are in a constant state of greatness. That is far from the truth, especially right now. So if you are up against challenges in your classroom that make you want nothing more than to crawl into bed as soon as you possibly can, I know how you feel.
I woke up this morning to the verse above. "...stand firm. Let nothing move you." I've allowed challenges in my room to move me to a completely uncomfortable and foreign place, a place where I wonder if I can really pull this off. The Living Bible says, "...since future victory is sure, be strong and steady." I'm unsure of what that victory in my situation will look like, but I want to claim that promise as mine. Simply remaining immovable, strong, and steady would be a victory right now, but I'm praying for even bigger victories. If you needed this verse too, I'm claiming this promise for you as well. Your labor is not in vain.
Your labor is not in vain and those students are being blessed by you. Even if you are not feeling that you are blessing them. Don't lose confidence in yourself, my friend. You know you have my prayers. :)
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, thank you for those prayers. I covet them.
DeleteAs far as I'm concerned, you are free to quote scripture any time :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I hear you about those challenging years. Last year was sure one for me. I remember saying to myself - I'm smarter than them, more experienced than them, and I've got God on my side! :)
Sara, thank you for sharing those words you said to yourself. God is on my side too.
DeleteThank you for sharing. This has been a tough year for me too & this verse is just perfect. Praying your year improves!
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne, I pray yours does as well. Bless you.
DeleteTammy, I know you are not alone in your feelings. I've been struggling with those same feelings. I agree with Sara, I have no problem with you quoting scripture. Praying for a better year. : )
ReplyDeleteKelly
I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher
Thank you Kelly, although I'm sorry you're struggling as well. We'll press on together. Bless you.
DeleteHi Tammy, Although I know it doesn't seem like there is anything good about the kind of year you are having, I bet that you will look back on it as a time that helped you be a better teacher and person. I know that I am much more understanding of others after I had a really rough year. That year I too felt like I didn't know how to handle things. I guess I try to give people the benefit of the doubt because I needed it that year. I also got better at understanding that there are things I can't control. I hope you are able to see that you are a blessing to your students (even when things aren't going as well as you know they could). You certainly have been a blessing to me.
ReplyDeleteLyn
Mrs. Goff's Pre-K Tales
Lyn, your perspective is one that I need to keep in mind. Everything you said is right on, and I do hope that from this comes a better teacher and person. Thank you for being such a blessing to me as well.
DeleteI feel your pain. This is my 23rd year teaching and I'm feeling the same way. I feel overwhelmed and under experienced! But it has to get better, right? At least neither of us is alone in this:) And btw, I know it doesn't feel like it, but I'm positive you're still doing a fabulous job and making a difference for those kids!
ReplyDeleteGrade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
Barb, I really do hope that it will get better. It's got to! Thank you for encouraging me along the way. I appreciate you Barb.
DeleteStanding with you Tammy! We can do all things, with His strength flowing through us. You are fully equipped for this challenge! Stand Firm!
ReplyDeleteSandi at Literacy Minute
Sandi, thank you for reminding me that because of Him, I'm equipped.
DeleteHere's what I know about you from reading your blog: You are a very caring, thoughtful and deeply committed teacher. You have many years of experience that you bring to your classroom each and every day. You push yourself to be the best teacher you can be by continually learning, growing and changing professionally. You are hard on yourself because you want to be the best teacher you can be. I think the longer we teach, the more we expect from ourselves. After 27 years of teaching, I am still trying to improve what I do. We all know the struggles that come with being a teacher today. There have been many times that I have had to ask God to help me through and He did. Those of us that have spent 20 or more years of our lives teaching are "durable." We weather the storms and keep doing what we do best...TEACH.
ReplyDeleteConnie, I'm not feeling durable right now, but I know exactly what you're talking about. Thank you for this. Thank you for being a blessing to me and my blog.
DeleteI hear you! Last year was very challenging for me. I questioned everything that I did and everything I thought I knew. I found your blog while I was looking for new approaches to management. This year is much easier. One of the most important things I learned was to look after myself and recognize my limitations. There had been a tendency to put the most challenging students in my classroom every year. This year, I asked my grade-level colleagues to help share the challenges, and that has made a huge difference.
ReplyDeleteLee, I suppose recognizing my limitations is not something I'm typically good at and yet being super teacher isn't really feasible either. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate your thoughts.
DeleteTammy, there is no doubt that a tough year can rock a teacher to the core. I'm sorry that you are experiencing it this year. However, I do know this, that in all my experience with you,I have NEVER met any teacher with more commitment and dedication, not only to your class, but also to your professional community. You are what we aspire to be. May you be surrounded with love and appreciation for all that you are and all that you aspire to be. Hugs to you my friend.
ReplyDeleteMarie, thank you for such kind words and affirmation. It hardly feels like I deserve it, but I will graciously receive them. Thank you.
DeleteI wish you would quote scripture again! I need to be reminded that I have a loving God standing on my side ready to go to battle for me and the students I teach. You are an inspiration to many and though the year may not be going as you planned God works for good in your life and in the lives of those you teach daily. The Lord is your Helper you need not be afraid! Praying for you to find joy tomorrow...One day at a time!!
ReplyDeleteJenny
Jenny, oh thank you. Your words and prayers mean a lot to me. You're a blessing.
DeleteGreat post, Tammy! I feel like a "new" teacher this year with all the changes and challenges that have come my way. Thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Crystal, I'm glad this blessed you in a good way.
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