After hearing “talk” for years about how the middle school in the town I teach in will move all 6th grade classes there, it finally came to reality this school year. Construction was completed over the summer and we were ready to move in! All 6th grades were always housed in all of our elementary buildings throughout the district, even though we followed a middle school curriculum. The move was a welcomed change by virtually everyone since 6th graders really are middle schoolers.
As much as I enjoyed being at the elementary school for many years, I knew this was best for the students both socially and academically. I was excited and looking forward to the change, but at the same time, I also had some concerns and questions floating around in my mind. Was all of my classroom supplies going to make it over to my new classroom? How is the setup and schedule over there? What are all the different procedures I need to follow? Etc., etc, etc. Change is not something that most of us prefer. Most of the time, we like to be in our “comfort zones.” Now, not all change is good, but sometimes the change is way better than we could have imagined. That is so true for me in this situation. So far, I am really enjoying the middle school set up and class structures. It’s much different than elementary, even though I’m still teaching 6th grade. My colleagues and administrators are also all very encouraging. It has been an extremely enjoyable experience so far!
This situation served as a personal reminder of some of the most popular verses in scripture in which we are familiar::
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
These verses were written by King Solomon, who was the wisest person to ever live. During the time he became king, he asked God for wisdom rather than riches or possessions (2 Chronicles 1:7-12). He studied, taught, judged, and wrote. Kings and leaders from other nations visited Jerusalem to learn from him and apply the wisdom to their services to the nation. Solomon knew that we need to include God in everything we do and He will keep us on the right track, even when we don’t know what lies ahead.
I know that God has called me to my current job. I didn’t know everything that lay ahead with the move, but He directed the entire situation and it was better than I even anticipated. This is just one of a million examples God has directed in my life. Think about your life. I’m sure you can say the same thing. Think about situations you may be in or decisions you may have to make. If we all put our trust in Him and seek His guidance, He’ll direct us exactly where we need to go. There’s no better place to be than on God’s path. Put your complete Trust in Him today and see where He takes you!
Wayne Errig