Jesus calms the storm

That day when evening came, he (Jesus) said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Mark 4:35-41

If that isn’t a description of teaching, I don’t know what is!! Is it just me, or do you feel like that too some days? You know, the days when you don’t get a prep period, you have a meeting scheduled at lunch and another after school. There’s no time to run to the bathroom, let alone grab a bite to eat. Kids are on edge. You’re on edge. You’re drowning in decisions, emails, paperwork and bad attitudes. Kids are rude. You’re rude. Parents are angry. Colleagues are frustrated. Students are out of control. Forget about even teaching your content, you’ve got to document your Teacher Effectiveness Evidence, send in  IEP recommendations and observations, there’s an assembly to attend,  attendance to take, make up work to send, lock down drill to practice…you get the picture. Do you feel like you’re downing some days?

We’re this boat together. And the seas are unpredictable (and so are our unreliable deckhands!) But you know what I love? The disciples didn’t just book a sunset cruise. No, Jesus suggested they go for a sail. This was his idea, he had the whole thing planned out. He knew there would be rough waters  ahead and he knew he could handle it. I strongly believe that the only reason any of us find ourselves in the front of the classroom is because he suggested it. This is all his idea and part of his plan.

And when everything comes at once, know you’re not alone. You don’t have to handle this all on your own. You can cry out, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” and listen for his answer: “YES! Of course I care! I’m so glad you called to me. Watch this.”

And let him calm the sea that’s your classroom. Let him quiet your heart, change your attitude, give you a new perspective. Teaching is hard work… don’t go at it alone!

Bottom line:

God called you to this. It is no accident that you teach where you teach, you have the kids you do. This is not an easy career path, by any means, but God put you here and He is with you. You got this! There’s nothing to be afraid of!

Memory verse:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord, your God will be with you wherever you go!

Joshua 1:9

Prayer:

What storms are you expecting today? Lift those up to the Lord! Surely there will be some surprise storms as well… Pray for those too! Trust that God is with you today in your classroom. He called you there. This teaching business is his idea and he won’t let your boat go under.