What I know for sure.

I awoke this morning with the songs from last nights' Christmas musical ringing in my ears. I tried to sleep in but the body is accustomed to getting up at 5am, so that settled that.
The last few months have been really challenging for me on so many levels. I won't dwell on the negative in this blog. { I just heard the sigh of relief from some of you- :)} I am going to dwell on the positive and what I believe God has taught and reassured me about myself.
1. Like Jesus, I am no respecter of persons. I am not impressed by or swayed by titles or the amount of money a person has. I am not against titles or having money. I think titles and money shouldn't have people. Unfortunately, we live in a society where people are admired and looked up to based upon a title or how large their checkbook is. I have had the misfortune of dealing with some very unkind titled/wealthy people who because of their /position/possessions felt as though they are entitled to speak to and treat people in very disrespectful ways. Thankfully, I've have also seen and experienced the kindness of some titled/ generous people who understand that having a title/wealth means being a blessing to other people- and they are actually a blessing to other people! They help people from different ethnic groups and different social/economic states! What a great character trait one has when you are able to look past a person issues and skin color and just see the need!
2. I believe character is so important. Who we are when no one is watching is the sum total of our being. I was born and grew up mostly in the Southern United States. During my adolescent years, a person's word was considered their bond. I have grown up with and attended a Church with people who would rather lose everything than go back on their word. I am constantly praying to God to enable me to stay true to what I learned growing up and exhibit great character no matter what. Even if it means persecution and rejection. When I stand before God one day, I want to hear "Well done good and faithful servant." I personally believe the good and faithful means being so to God and what he requires for our life and not necessarily with all of peoples requests.
3. In Christianity, Grace and Love are keys to living this life successfully. During the last 2 years, I have had to the pleasure of seeing that with the music teacher at the school I work. Even more so this last few months and weeks with all the hard work she put into the Christmas musical. Working with 1st through 3rd graders weekly can be a great challenge. I greatly admire her! I realize so much why God put her in my life and in particular these last 2 school years. For that I am so thankful. The calmness, poise and grace she maintain during the most challenging of times is an inspiration to me. She's the real deal! Thank you for all you do and for the great christian example you've been to me these last school years. You will never know how much I have really needed to see that. My pastor's wife has the same ability - it is amazing!
4. I need to trust in God no matter what. God knew what he wanted me to learn this last two years. While I initially questioned my sanity in driving 56 miles a day to and from work, when I had the opportunity to remain at another school only 5 minutes from my home, I understand so much why it had to be. Had I not been obedient in this, I would have missed the great opportunity to get to know some of my third grade parents and students from this year and last year. -I am so thankful for the opportunity to have met you all. The gifts, text messages, phone calls and emails that you have given and are sending me even this year, are so thoughtful, unselfish and encouraging. I don't take anything you do for granted. I received a bag of avocados as a gift last night! Delicious! I adore you guys! To a very special family in particular- the convertible mustang you let me borrow for 2 months this year was so awesome! It was considerably kind and unselfish and I love you guys more than you know! To my special student in your household- I remember the deal we made a few weeks back- I hope you're keeping up your end! I know you can do it! I miss you this year but I hope you're is having a great time at your new school. If I hadn't come to this school, I would not have been challenged the way I have been and therefore I would have missed the opportunity to grow in my spiritual and maturity level in God.
5. To my church family and school family-Thank you so much to those of you have accepted me just as I am. I am not perfect- but your patience and kindness has meant more to me than you will ever know! As that song goes -'Just as I am, without one plea. But that thy blood was shed for me...'
School family- You saw my potential and you allowed me to adjust to the school culture. I know we all have changes to continue in our lives.. you didn't and haven't written me off and for that I am so thankful. Change is constant and how we act or react to it can have positive or adverse affects to our life. Thank you so much again for your patience! My daughter loves coming to school here!
Lastly, I've learned that no matter what happens.. my focus should always be on the One who died for me and has a purpose and plan for my life. Jeremiah 29:11 is my favorite scripture! As I close out this year and get ready to enter the new year, I am so excited. There are great things waiting for me in 2010.