Peace, Be Still. For Once

It is the eve of the first day of the new school year.  The past two weeks have been...hectic...to say the least.  Walls to decorate, lessons to plan, new things to learn, parents to meet, assignments to create.  And the list goes on.  But tonight as I sit at the kitchen table contemplating the day to come, I have a sense of peace fall over me.  This is new.

Every year I have been a nervous wreck the day before school starts.  I worry if I am ready, how will my classes go, how will the kids be.  I will even worry in my sleep with night mares of the first day of school.  After six years of teaching, not much has changed.  Except this year.

I am calm.  I feel prepared.  I am excited.  I am blessed.  Yes.  I am very blessed.

Location has a lot to do with it.  But God's will has an even bigger impact on how I feel right now.

I am not calm because of something I did.  No.  It is because of what He has done for me.  He has brought me a long way.  He has placed me in a position where I am abiding in Him and fulfilling His will.  He has opened the doors to where I am now.  He has directed me to my new school.  It is because of what He has done for me that I am prepared, not nervous, and have a sense of peace.  It is because of Him that I will sleep well tonight.  Maybe even sugar plums will dance in my head.  Hmmm.

Some people wonder, "Am I following His will?"  I can't answer that for someone who is pondering that question.  But I can tell you from personal experience, when I follow God's will, I have a sense of peace about the situation.  I might start to worry about a certain aspect of it, but God immediately quiets my fears and reminds me He has it all taken care of.  He is in control.  Not me.  And we all know how I am about my control.  So listen for that still small voice.  Wait for the sense of calmness to arise.  And pray.  Above all, pray.  Ask God what He has in store for you.  He will make it clear.

One thing that I have had to learn recently is not to rely on myself.  I become a complete failure when I do that.  Rely on God.  And wait.  Yes, I said the "w" word.  You have to be patient and listen for what He has to say to you.

I am able to be calm because I know I am following His will, not mine, only By God's Amazing Grace.