One Last Classroom

One Last Classroom

On this journey of mine I am blessed in so many unsuspecting places! From friends who invite me on trips or adventures to the ones who check my location to make sure I am home after a busy day and to my dad surprising me with a fresh cut lawn in 95 degree weather (and the goodies from my mom of fresh tomatoes, okra, or cornbread!)  The heartfelt love and compassion shown to me is appreciated way more than anyone can imagine. So, when opportunities arise to be there for others, I want to do all I can to help.

I was approached multiple times over the summer for various teaching positions that I gave the nicest “no” I could muster. I appreciated the thought and trust that these administrators across 2 counties placed in me.

In August, I was approached by administrators about a Job Share Position at the elementary school I attended in Smyrna. I would work 2 days a week and every other Friday. I could still tend to real estate clients. My teaching partner would be one of my dearest friends. Hmmmm. I decided to consider this offer.

We went for the “interview” where the administrators began with, “The Lord has answered us!” Then they simply asked, “How can we serve you?”

We accepted the position with gratitude for the trust being placed on us (I didn’t know these ladies, yet my teacher reputation is still good in Rutherford County Schools!) The outside-the-box thinking to provide excellence for their students was to be commended. We started with attending in-service, decorating our classroom, and sorting files and lesson plans. Things were rolling along. Life was good. I had deals to work on my days off. I had many things to do while at school to ensure these kiddos were getting my 100% attention.

Fast forward to a scary night for my partner’s dad.  Fear and worry set in.

Life is too short to work the moments away. Our parents are here for only a moment, and while we are lucky enough to have them we need to value and honor their presence in our life.

We had a decision to make, and it was not taken lightly.

We sure didn’t want to let anyone down. We had bonded with our team of professionals and the children. The kiddos were making progress; they needed us. However, my friend’s dad needed her more. Since I didn’t feel that I wanted to step into a full time classroom position,  we met with the principal to announce our departure in the upcoming weeks. She was nothing but kind, gracious, and understanding.

As we wrapped things up, the Lord placed a candidate on the admin’s schedule to interview. She got the job, and the children will continue to be loved on and will continue to make strides in their education!

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.

You see, before the initial “Job Share” was presented, I had been praying for guidance. I was worried. I was asking the Lord, “Do I return to teaching where I know I have a safe and steady income or do I continue working in real estate in a time of uncertainty?”  Then the Job Share opportunity came to me, and I just KNEW that God’s sense of humor was saying, “OR? Who said anything about OR? I am saying BOTH.” And I was good with that.

Maybe we needed to take the position to allow time for the new person to hear from Him. Maybe He had to use us to get her to the school. Maybe it was so I could reconnect with high school friends turned educators. Maybe it was so I could reconnect with friends of friends. Maybe it was so I could meet new friends. Maybe it was so I could reconnect with a former neighbor who has grown up and become a mama herself.

Either way, we did it.

Now I focus on my business. I am spending time organizing and planning how to end the year. I know how I want my business structured. I want to educate clients. I want to treat them how I want to be treated. I want to stand by my word.

This week, I am working and attending various appointments while getting a lot checked off my list-vet appointment, car appointment, a realtor zoom class. I am filling my calendar with meetings and appointments.

In this unsettled world, I thank God for knowing best.

As you enter this fall, take a moment to list the things you are grateful for. It truly is life changing. In my quiet times, I try to list at least 3 things a day as I pray for the many on my prayer list. It’s a habit that I am trying to set. It is easy to fall asleep some nights without finishing my list, but the attitude of gratitude does change our brain’s make up.

I am thankful for you, my reader, for extending grace and kindness to me throughout this blog, our times together, or a simple “thumbs up” on this.

Be kind to someone today; it can change the world.