God's Plans Are Always Greater

I breathe in deeply and recenter myself. It’s been a good, but tiring day. Teaching can bring about some of God’s greatest joys, but like most jobs it can also deplete your energy at points. 

Working with students when they are struggling, especially when they are so close to graduation can stretch you, yet is so rewarding. Settling in next to Jesus and lifting them up to Him can change the trajectory of my day and without them even knowing provide the strength they need to engage. 

One afternoon without even realizing, I turned on the Divine Mercy in Song and just listened as I graded. I fully intended to have a quiet afternoon of clearing out my gradebook, but God had other plans. The phone began to ring. I had three lovely conversations with students who had been struggling to engage, but were now ready to work, which I was incredibly thankful for.

Students often feel stress when calling a teacher knowing they are behind. There was a time in my life where I would visit with them about all they needed to do to get back on track, but as I have learned more about trauma, our brains, and the way we process and absorb life, most days I just listen, visit with them if they are looking to talk and try to get something accomplished while we are on the phone together. 

Often I find that as we talk they become more comfortable and expressive which helps us to get further along in the work. Usually when we hang up I can hear the gratitude in their voice and some even say “Mrs. Frnka thank you so much for answering my call today. I really appreciate it. You just don’t even know.” 

Making one small change in my day can make all the difference, not only for me, but for my students. They may not be any further along come the next day, but the good news is I have faith in them, but most especially in God and I know He will carry them through or else send them to me for a long tutorial session and pixie dust.

I find the Divine Mercy to offer much comfort especially when I am tired or under stress. The repetition of the prayer “For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world” seems to settle my soul and I hope in some small way it helps to settle my students soul, even if they never hear it. Further, the end of the prayer “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One” is so uplifting and a great reminder of who God is and his impact in our lives. His plans are always greater than ours. Invite Him in. Be open to the joy He wants for you each day.  

Gracious Father, you never look away when we are in need and always provide exactly what we need. Your timing is always “on time.” Lord, like a student with their schoolwork sometimes struggles to call their teacher, I sometimes struggle to come to You to ask for help. In those moments, Lord, thank you for calling me. Thank you so much, Lord. Have a beautiful day! - Amen.

Y'all have a beautiful one!

All My Love,

Jen

For more information about Get Strong with Jen! click here.

Spots of Joy - Prayer for PTSD - Day 12 click here.