Patience

Hollywood, with the movies and television it produces, projects the illusion that people must wait about two hours to get their heart's desire.  A happily ever after is only a short while away...in my favorite comedies, the hero only must wait until the end of the movie or television show to see all their dreams come true. 

Real life is different from film...and patience is hardest when I need it the most.  I keep hoping I've reached the top of the hill, feeling as if that I've almost made it, only to find out I am still in the foothills and have not yet even reached the mountain I'm supposed to be climbing.  Patience is key to achieving my goals.  God is giving me this opportunity to grow and I am grateful that he is teaching me to rely on his strength. 

Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." 

Often, I wish my job was easier.  However, I know my students need me, and I can already see I've made a big difference in in their school day.  They seem to want to tell me everything about their lives.  They have been recently presenting me with all kinds of gifts: silly bands, plastic jewelry, coloring pages ect.  It makes sense to deny myself for now, and to invest this year in my life to learn how to reach these challenging children.  My passion is to reach lost little ones.  I have never been in a place where I could reach so many...with about 1,200 students, the opportunities I see are tremendous.  I'm praying that God gives me the wisdom to make the most of every opportunity. 

I Chronicles 29:11
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
    and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
    for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
    you are exalted as head over all.

When I most need patience, I need to focus on my goals and focus on God's greatness and power.  I plan to be more in scripture and prayer this coming week, so as to make my communication with God even more a part of daily living.  I want to eat, work, and play being more conscious of His presence and blessings. 

The joy of the Lord is my strength.  I will not let the hardships of today steal my happiness.  Joy enables me to enjoy life's climb, and the journey is as important as the destination.

John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”