I realize that it seems like I have fallen off of the face of earth. I guess that's what they told us before heading into this semester. In fact, they told us to ditch our friends, our family, and any chance of having a normal life this semester. (Seriously. That happened.) They told us student teaching should be everything we do, leaving no room for anything else.
I disagree. Not because life hasn't been crazy... but because more than anything this semester, I need the support of the people I love and that love me too. Of course I realize that I'm probably a little high-maintenance right now. I have way too much on my mind, way too much to do, and my humor is at the sixth-grade level.
Even though I don't have much time for anything besides eating, sleeping, and lesson-planning, it has been the biggest blessing to have people in my life that continue to pursue spending time with me. They understand that I don't have all day... and they don't try to be my everything. But they have provided the encouragement I so need in the chaos of teaching twelve-year-olds every day.
My favorite is when people give me a place to rest. The quiet hugs after a frustrating or embarrassing day, someone to shout with when I get excited about a particular lesson (yes, that happens too), skypes filled with laughter, understanding phone conversations, "family" dinners with the roommates, and the dance parties when our apartment gets a little too cold. And Fridays.
But most of all, I'm realizing the importance of starting each day reflecting on the steadfast love of my Lord, and celebrating His faithfulness at the end of each and every day... celebrating His provision (for me and for dear friends), His answered prayers for wisdom with particularly touchy situations at school, His granting of joy in every moment of the day, and for the peace He gives... that surpasses all understanding.
Right now, Life is teaching. But it is also being teachable. To listen to the wisdom of others and to absorb what I can. To love those around me, and to treasure every moment with those I am with. This semester is exhausting... but when I feel like I can't keep going, I stand in the shower of blessings that continue to rain down upon me. And suddenly, I find the strength to keep going. But it only comes from letting others in... letting others into this crazy semester of my life and allowing them to walk alongside of me, regardless of how busy I am.
