Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV

Earlier this month within 6 days, four people I know died, I attended two of the funerals, and I listened to several students share some very hard stories with me, resulting in three of them breaking down in tears in my presence. In the weeks following, I witnessed a student get hit by a car (he is okay) and my mom was admitted to the hospital.

The reality is I teach high school and kids are hurting. Turns out, so was I…I thought I was fine until I wasn’t. My body always keeps score. My digestion went wonky and then my whole body started to feel it.

So, I called my naturopath. She helped. I also called my nutritionist and she listened to me. That is key. After I described what had occurred, she asked, “Are you taking B complex? You are stressed.”

Duh. I was stressed. Immediately, I improved with the help of both ladies. Plus, I received prayer after my nutritionist had me make a 30-second video of what was going on in my life (the good and the hard) and shared it with people who will pray for me.

I have an army of intercessors and I need it. So do you.

Educators, we are on the front lines and we are on a mission. We must abide in Christ daily and remember to talk to Jesus all day long. There is a target on our backs because the enemy does not want us to bring joy, peace, and love into the public school system. The stresses of the world will come at us, but we can stay strong in the Lord. This looks like daily time with God, worship, fellowship, practicing the Sabbath, and implementing coping skills. Exercise, art, walks, deep breathing, reading—anything that fills us up so we can be poured out as an offering (Philippians 2:17) to our students. They need us to be healthy and whole. Every bit of Jesus we bring into the classroom is for the glory of God and the eternal rewards will be worth it.

Today, I want to encourage you, my fellow educators, with a favorite song of mine.

Dear God, our jobs are challenging, but also very fulfilling when we keep our gaze on You. You are our Strength, You are our Joy, You are our Provider, You are our Peace, You are our Protector, You are our Father, You are our Savior, You are our Redeemer. Enable us to take all of Your goodness into the schools because it is Your goodness that draws people to You. Use us for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Copyright Dawn Rowe.

Dawn is a member and high school teacher in Vancouver, WA. She has been teaching for 36 years and currently teaches psychology. For more tips on how to bring life to your school and yourself, read her book The Ripple Effect of Love in the Classroom.