Right back where I started

Well, it happened. The kids came back to school.  People had warned me that that was part of being a teacher, and I kinda sorta believed them, but it wasn't until Thursday that it really sunk in:  kids come back after summer.  As I get ready to embark on Year 2 of the great teaching adventure, people have asked me what the difference between this year and last year is.  I think that the difference can be summed up in the difference between "thought" and "know."

Last year, I thought that teaching would be hard, but now I know that it is a brutally difficult job.

Last year, I thought that this job would push me to my limits, but now I know that it is going to take me way beyond them.

Last year, I thought that there would be spiritual darkness among my kids, but now I know that darkness is the rule rather than the exception.

Last year, I thought that my co-workers would be great, but now I know that I've been blessed beyond measure in the people that God has given me to work with.

Last year, I thought that having my friends pray for me would be neat, but now I know that, without your prayers, I'm helpless.

Last year, I thought that God's word was good, but now I know that it is life itself.

Last year, I thought that God would see me through my first year, but now I know that he is doing something marvelous in my life and in the lives of each of my students through my time here at Restoration.

That, I believe is the key.  Now I know.  I know that without God, I can do nothing.  The last thing that I want to do is rely on experience or some other source of strength.  I want to go back to where I started last year:  utterly dependent on God to do everything and well aware that this job is beyond me.

As this first month kicks off and we all get settled in, I'd like to ask you to pray for three things:

1.  Pray that I never ever ever EVER for not even one second harbor the illusion that my experience is going to get me through.  Pray that I would look to my Heavenly Father every day for every thing that I need.
2.  Pray that I would have discernment to see where the Lord is working in individual lives and join him there.
3.  Pray that I would be wise in disciplining and generous in loving my kids.

Love you guys!  Thanks a million!