I have been teaching for several years. I retired from full-time teaching in 2019. After feeling my way and stumbling in the dark for a few months after retirement, I began working as a GED teacher. I taught GED in addition to my regular teaching assignment; it wasn’t like I didn’t know what I was getting into.
Well, I have been at this assignment for three years. I began teaching virtually during COVID. We couldn’t get the students to return to in-person classes. So, this year I started teaching in-person and virtually. Saying this is hard is an understatement.
I haven’t gotten a raise during that time. I didn’t have any graduates in the first year. Last year I had seven. This year is not looking promising. I’ll be happy to have three students. Well, it hit me this year: I’M TIRED!
I want to stay at home, that is, until this past Tuesday. My classroom is in a public library. I exited my car late as usual as I walked toward the library doors. I said a prayer under my breath.
Lord, how long will I have to continue coming to this library? Surely there must be someplace else where I can teach GED and do just as much good. Lord, please show me what my next move is.
I usually teach reading language arts on Tuesday. But after last Thursday’s math class, I realized I couldn’t afford to teach math one day a week. So, I gave the students six geometry problems over the weekend. Of course, not one person did the assignment. So, I began class with the problems right while reteaching everything I went over last week. I noticed something about two of my newest students. Aside from the typical deer in the headlights look that I have grown accustomed to, this was a look of pure confusion, bewilderment, and I don’t have a clue what you’re doing. Not wanting to call them out on it, I waited until I gave the other students an assignment and spoke to each of them privately.
After hearing about their childhood horror story about their learning experiences, I was on the verge of tears. The best way to sum up the conversations with both students is to say God has a sense of humor. By the time I finished talking to the students, not only was I assuring both students that “I have no plans to leave, I’ll be right here with you; it may take you a while, but as long as God allows me to come, we’ll get you through this.” At first, I couldn’t believe what I heard myself saying. I’ve found peace in my decision. I gave up the virtual class, and it fills like a normal classroom again.
So, maybe I am called to be here a while longer; I can live with that, but since that question is settled now, God, where is the money coming from?
If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.
Lady Montgomery thank you for this, it made me smile also because JESUS IS LORD AND GOD IS TRULY GOOD!!! Just remember HIS PROMISES, stay encouraged and trust GOD will guide you into all truth through HIS HOLY SPIRIT!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
MATTHEW 6:30-33 (KJV)
30. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32. (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Psalm 132:15 (KJV)
I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
Peace, Joy and Blessings IN CHRIST JESUS Our LORD,
Elder Yolanda Ward