Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV
Confession time: I used to wake up every morning feeling like I was staring up at Mount Everest. Except instead of snow and ice, it was a towering mountain of to-dos in my classroom. Every day felt like more curriculum, more challenges, and more instances of trying to do three jobs as one person. Can you relate?
From the outside, I may have “looked” like I had it all together. But that was far from the truth.
Then one day, I heard a gentle whisper, “Shift your focus to prayer.”
And just like that, everything changed.
I realized that I was leaning on my own understanding instead of His. I was walking in my own “giftings” instead of His direction. Repentance happened quickly. I cried out, asking for forgiveness for teaching in my own strength. And the beautiful part? He immediately showed up.
I was humbled by the realization that my true task was to listen deeply to Him. It sounds simple, but this newfound understanding completely revamped my daily routine. From that point on, as I walked into my classroom each morning, I began by praying over each student’s chair, committing my lesson plans to God, and asking for divine protection and guidance in the space God had entrusted to me. Although the challenges persisted and the to-do list remained, my approach and attitude in the classroom underwent a profound transformation.
I began to hear more gentle whispers of guidance throughout the day. I transitioned from merely walking in my own understanding to walking with God, acknowledging His presence. This shift gave me an eternal mindset that produced more than a to-do list ever could.
Jesus, help us to trust You. To give all the lists to You and allow us as educators to listen deeply throughout our days. Your plan is greater than ours. Speak to us about when we are leaning on our own understanding and bring us back to Your truths. Amen.
Copyright Rebekah Hutchinson.
Rebekah is a Christian Educators member and a second-grade teacher in Vancouver, Washington.
