I am the five loaves and two fish...

WHAT A WHIRLWIND SEMESTER!!!  It was August...I blinked...and it's the middle of the November.

I cannot begin to describe the variety of emotions I have experienced with all the changes this school year has brought.  I have experienced excitement for new things, anxiety with change, negativity because of the negativity in education, discouragement with lack of engagement in my classroom, frustration with new iPad management program, stress in meeting deadlines, and exhaustion!  The excitement was short-lived and soon overtaken by the rest of the emotions.  

Last month, I decided to look at teaching in a different way; Christ was a teacher, surely He has something to show me about my career?!?  As I began reading Matthew I was overwhelmed (in a good way) with a refreshing insight of education and teaching.  

The biggest lesson I have learned comes from Matthew 14:13-21, "Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand."  

Many of you know this story I am sure.  Christ is given five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand people.  Talk about minimal resources-yet Christ was able to feed FIVE THOUSAND PEOPLE!  Can we say "SPREAD a little thin?"  As I studied this story, God brought it to my attention that I myself am like the five loaves and two fish.  I am one person "feeding" 26 young minds at 26 different levels.  I am "feeding" them math, reading, science, social studies, writing, life lessons, responsibility, and on and on!  One person feeding all those little people all those things is "spreading teachers thin!"  The beauty of Christ's story is every single person was fed and no one left hungry.   IF I trust Christ, He will take me, (the five loaves and two fish) bless me, and "feed" the "five thousand."  WOW!!!

HE WILL AND IS BIG ENOUGH TO TEACH/REACH each child in my classroom in every area they need!!  I now pray every morning, as I enter the "battlefield," that Christ will take the minimal resources and bless them so they reach ALL children.  That my friends is our hope as educators.  It is not humanly possible to meet all of our students' needs, but Christ will join forces and lead our class.  Will you let him?