I pray you've come through okay. We've had blows coming at us from all sides...loss of loved ones, loss of health, loss of income, loss of community, loss of trust in things we're told...but through it all, hopefully we can hold on to 2 Corinthians 4:8-9: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." God is still in control!
I also pray that in the midst of what may feel like despair or frustration, mourning or anger, we can be loving and kind. We can look for common ground. We can look for connection with others. I echo Paul's sentiment in Ephesians 4:1-3: "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
I've had a doozy of a rollercoaster ride along with everyone else. Please indulge me a minute of whining--
Last spring, my fellow teachers and I were declared to be essential employees, where I teach (in a maximum security facility)...we began wearing masks and cleaning, cleaning cleaning. We (still) check in daily by answering wellness questions and getting a temperature check before being allowed into the facilities. We had students being quarantined, infection rates rose, and eventually my entire facility was on restricted movement. For weeks I delivered assignments to students and picked up what work I could, all while including inspirational quotes and cheering them on. I'm thankful to report that we've had higher passing rates than we did last school year, thank you LORD! 😊
I had my right shoulder replaced in late May and was off work for 5 weeks. Even in the midst of covid, I was sooooo ready to get back to work, crazily enough! It feels good to be able to use my arm normally again and write on the board with arm fully extended. 😃
The day before Halloween I started feeling ill and tested positive for covid the day after Halloween. The following day I lost my sense of smell and taste and haven't regained them (yet!)...I miss them!!! 😕
The contract for my company expires at the end of June, and they're not rebidding the contract. I'm mourning what will be the breakup of an amazing group of coworkers! I have a heart for teaching inmates, so I'm prayerfully waiting to see who gets the new contract and if I can viably work for them. I keep reminding myself that I didn't go looking for this job, it found me, and I believe God wanted me there...so, if He wants me to stay, I will! And if He has something else for me, I need to go in that direction. Easier said than done, and imagining having a 'last day' at the facility makes me feel sad. 😢
Okay, that might have been more than a minute, but I'm done now! God has brought me through a lot and will continue to do so! I need to focus on the positives and be the light that I'm called to be. So sometimes I might be a little dim, but I'm going to keep shining.
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." ~Matthew 5:16
