God Isn't Suprised
I can't remember appreciating the weekend this much in a long time. I am a workin' woman now and am a preschool teacher 5 days a week. I only just started, but it definitely has been an eye opening experience thus far. It's a difficult job, to be sure, and there's a lot of kids and only one of me. My first week was a little emotional haha. I knew He'd put me at the preschool for a reason and I wanted to do my best, but I felt like I was failing. Anyway, I prayed with my mom and the next day God once again showed His grace to me. Joanna is a Hebrew name and it means "God is gracious", which is a very fitting testament to the countless times those words have proven true, especially when I don't deserve it. First of all, God reminded me through Scripture that as the moments pass in my day, good or bad, if I have a thankful heart and one focused on Christ, then they will be moments of peace, even if my surrounding are less than peaceful. When our Spirit is in contact with Him throughout the day, it becomes bearable and will even contain surprises we wouldn't have noticed if we'd been otherwise blinded by a veil of self-pity or selfishness. And those two things are very poisonous to our hearts as well as others around us. But the Holy Spirit will fill us every morning if we ask God, refreshing us and watering our hearts so inclined to barrenness. Sometimes it seems like our hearts are small and dry with a minimal capacity for love, thankfulness, ect. And maybe it is at first but even in the smallest places God can make a beautiful garden grow. Just ask Him to pour His Spirit on you, because that is one thing He will never withhold from His children.
Now that I went off on that little tangent, I want to add that, concerning my job, God showed His grace in another, more physical way! Without even asking, He provided a helper for me in the mornings when I have the most kids. It is also during story, craft, and snack time which can get pretty hectic. It was kind of a miracle because a sweet staff member who came in to check on me one day saw what a difficult time I was having and insisted to my boss that I be given a helper. Her name is Michelle and she's been a tremendous help. God is good - He knew I needed someone.
So, I didn't end up quitting even though the thought crossed my mind more than once. It hasn't been an easy job and communication hasn't been very good as I've had a couple different things sprung on me unexpectedly, but even though I have to deal with problematic children and...less than cordial parents at times, I have peace. As my friend says, "God isn't suprised", so why should I get upset about it? He's in control. There is a quote that speaks this in the simplest, yet most profound way. The Highlander's Last Song, regarding the main character Alister MacRuadh, says,
"He had been too well taught for grumbling - least of all at what was plainly the will of the Supreme. However man might be to blame, the thing was there."
The thing was there. Trials are there. Sin is there. Unsaved people who we cannot hold to high standards are there. And we must accept what comes our way with grace and attitude of trust toward our Heavenly Father. Even though it included sacrifice, Alister MacRuadh as chief of his poor clan was loyally "doing the work that was given him to do, which is the first condition of all advancement." I know you don't know the story but the point is that God has given us tasks and people in our life that we are meant to faithfully attend to. Do not grow weary in doing good, because although the path may be hard, we are being lead to greener pasture by our Shepherd Jesus Christ. Accept the abundant life God offers to us every day and never cease to pray. He cares about you and He sees you...we will never understand the ways of the Lord but just remember. He isn't surprised. Have faith.
Now that I went off on that little tangent, I want to add that, concerning my job, God showed His grace in another, more physical way! Without even asking, He provided a helper for me in the mornings when I have the most kids. It is also during story, craft, and snack time which can get pretty hectic. It was kind of a miracle because a sweet staff member who came in to check on me one day saw what a difficult time I was having and insisted to my boss that I be given a helper. Her name is Michelle and she's been a tremendous help. God is good - He knew I needed someone.
So, I didn't end up quitting even though the thought crossed my mind more than once. It hasn't been an easy job and communication hasn't been very good as I've had a couple different things sprung on me unexpectedly, but even though I have to deal with problematic children and...less than cordial parents at times, I have peace. As my friend says, "God isn't suprised", so why should I get upset about it? He's in control. There is a quote that speaks this in the simplest, yet most profound way. The Highlander's Last Song, regarding the main character Alister MacRuadh, says,
"He had been too well taught for grumbling - least of all at what was plainly the will of the Supreme. However man might be to blame, the thing was there."
The thing was there. Trials are there. Sin is there. Unsaved people who we cannot hold to high standards are there. And we must accept what comes our way with grace and attitude of trust toward our Heavenly Father. Even though it included sacrifice, Alister MacRuadh as chief of his poor clan was loyally "doing the work that was given him to do, which is the first condition of all advancement." I know you don't know the story but the point is that God has given us tasks and people in our life that we are meant to faithfully attend to. Do not grow weary in doing good, because although the path may be hard, we are being lead to greener pasture by our Shepherd Jesus Christ. Accept the abundant life God offers to us every day and never cease to pray. He cares about you and He sees you...we will never understand the ways of the Lord but just remember. He isn't surprised. Have faith.
Soo inspiring! thx!
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