Friday, May 18, 2012

A Long, Hard Week

This week was a difficult one.  I got bad news about a student on Monday, forgot about meeting someone on Tuesday, Wednesday a few students (who I have had for years) were disrespectful (beyond what was normal), and Thursday I was just exhausted (I have been doing extra study sessions at work because my co-tutor is on maturity leave and I have been going for 2 weeks with 9 hour days) and I let issues from the past dwell in my mind.  This may come across as complaining, but these are just situations.
I am so grateful for how God has carried me through.  He has places key people to pray for me when I needed the reminder that He was listening.  There were little acts of kindness that I could brush off as nothing, that I chose to focus on them.  God also put scriptures in my path: Philippians 4: 4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.  Any the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." and James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kids, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  Both of these verses came up during Bible studies I am a part of and originally thought I would not do because of being busy or so close to leaving.  God used this to confirm that I should be going.
Thank you so much for those who prayed for me, hugged me, cried with me, and simply loved me.  This is what I will miss the most: my friends and family.  I know God will carry me through times like this when I am gone and it is helpful to know that none of you will be further then a Skype call away ;)  I also know that god will put people in my life while I am there who He will use for me and who I will be used to do the same for.
This coming weekend please be praying that I am used by Him as I speak at North Suburban Mennonite Church (Saturday the 19th at 7pm) and that I find rest in God that is both physical, emotional, and spiritual.

1 comment:

Mrs. Pam Gowland said...

Maturity leave, I like that. We could all use some maturity leave every now and then! And too, you have received "trials of many kids"! God has used you with many kids, and even when they are disrespectful, they are going through "stuff" trying to figure life out, and they don't mean it personally towards you! Believe me, it's especially hard when they are your own kid! You've built so much into these kids. God will see you through the hurt, don't dwell on it. I hope you will skype Rachel and me! Girl, you are about to see Jesus in a ever clearer light on this journey!