Happy Saturday, friends! Thanks for being here today to talk about something you loved, something that sustained you, something you're carrying forward from this month to the next, and something you're making space for. I'll jump right in!
This month I loved working with students again. My job position has changed tremendously this year, as most of you know. Last year I co-taught intervention with Resource S students (kiddos who needed a little extra help with math and reading); this year I'm a one on one with a terminally ill student. I'm grateful for this change in my job; due to the turn of events that happened in my life this month, I couldn't have pulled out a math or grammar lesson if my life depended on it. This position feels easy and natural; I love getting to care for just one student and be there to support and encourage her. That being said, I miss "my" students from last year. I love seeing them in the hallways at school, and this week I was delighted to be with this year's fifth grade class again. I've missed them so much!
I love getting to be in LAMPS with them, too!
Something that sustained me this month was the support of my family and friends. I never would have made it through August if not for Jesus and them. I've leaned heavily on my sons, my extended family members, and my friends the last three weeks.
Living proof.
Something I'm carrying forward from now until next month is this feeling right now; I'm currently at home at 7:53 p.m. on Thursday night, sitting in my bed working on this post while the TV plans mindlessly in the background. I don't need much in life, friends, but this? This is good. It feels comfortable, natural, and peaceful. I'm learning to be okay with being on my own a lot again.
Something I'm making space for this coming month is more of this: more friends, more family time, more hanging out with my adult sons and their friends, more being at home, and also more of being with my friends at their places. I'm going to make it just fine, friends. I don't need much of anything else. I'm taking things one day at a time, and I am trying to process all of the emotions and thoughts I'm having as they come. I'm journaling a lot, and that's coming through in my writing since my posts here have been more heavy on words and not pictures. I'm clinging to the Lord my God with everything in me. I'm listening to His word being read over me every morning, I'm singing His praises and worshiping Him even on the days when I'm not "feeling it". I'm praying more, I'm being more quiet. These are all things that are helping me grieve and heal.
As always, my posts lately keep on taking this turn, but I'm going to leave it as it is, since it's my life right now. Thanks for being here today to link up with me; I'll keep it open for another week or so if you want to join in later. Love to all.
Jen
I love that your job is perfect for your here and now. You are so loved at school and at home. I'm glad your home is a comfort right now. I am going to do a fall decor inventory today. I went ahead and bought a bow for the front door yesterday because I knew I didn't have one. I think you will enjoy this as well and I can't wait to see how you decorate.
ReplyDeleteI love that too! Thank you for the reassuring words of encouragement. All of this combined feels good for now, and I'm learning to walk hand in hand with both joy and sorrow. You can't really have one without the other, right? Everything is all tied together, and I'm just embracing it all as it comes. I love that you bought a new bow! I really can't wait to do this over the weekend.
DeleteI like how you're embracing the present while still processing your pain and, as ever, leaning on the Lord and the fantastic people whom the Lord has blessed you with. Your words and actions are inspiring and I'm certain you are a bright spot for your one on one.
ReplyDeleteThank you, friend! I appreciate the kindness more than you could know. I keep saying "joy and sorrow", because I'm learning they really do go hand in hand.
DeleteGosh those 5th graders look so small now; they were definitely the BIG kids when I worked in elementary school but without the other little kids around to make that comparison they still seem rather small. My "sustained me" answer is quite similar to yours this month.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? They really do seem like that. I remember mine feeling big at that age, too! I love that we answered similarly on that one.
DeleteYour job sounds wonderful and exactly what you and the student needs at this time. It is fantastic that you have the support from everyone! Sending love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you, sweet friend. It really is a privilege to be there for my little student everyday.
DeleteYour new position is such a blessing for you in this phase of life. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteIt is! I feel that every single day and thank God for it. Thanks, friend! I'm doing my very best.
DeleteLife can be hard. I'm glad you're finding ways to see joy even while you also know sorrow. The two travel hand in hand. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry life has been difficult for you lately, and I will keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your work is bringing you much joy. I am sorry my commenting has fallen off the wagon of late. I feel I've missed something important, so if I've got the wrong end of the stick, just ignore. You will continue to grow and find happiness, with and without people. Nothing is forever and you've already happily moved on once, so tyou know it is possible. I've much faith in this for you. Hang in there!
ReplyDelete