My word for this year is faith. Last month I wrote about why this is such an important word for me. A lot has happened since then.
I started a new job. That in itself was a miracle. Of course, when it’s something that’s important to me, I worry constantly about all that could go wrong. I feared that my TB test wouldn’t come through, that my transcripts would cause an issue, etc. The worst was when I went to take the pre-employment physical and, during the eye test, discovered that I’m losing my eyesight! It was all good as the nurse had me stand at the marked spot and cover one eye. No problem. I could clearly see the chart and that the rows were numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6… It got kinda blurry from 6 on down. Then he says “Read line 8.” Uh, I could barely SEE an 8, let alone the set of letters alongside it. Knowing it was not a time to joke by calling out what the letters looked like to me (bumblebee, cloud, lightning bolt), I guessed at what the letters (and maybe numbers too) might possibly be based on their fuzzy shape.
Then came the waiting game. I took the physical on a Saturday, and was supposed to start work on the following Wednesday. Every time someone would congratulate me on my new job or ask how excited I was for my new class, I would cringe inwardly. How awkward and depressing would it be if I failed the physical and the offer of employment was revoked? Would I have to hand in my classroom keys and repack all the boxes of personal teaching stuff that I had brought to the room? How humiliating! In retrospect, not passing the eye test still sounds like a big deal to me. My hubby and friends assured me that it was a silly thing to worry over but I didn’t listen to their common sense. I was convinced that I would be rejected for the position and I would let all the administrators down who had so confidently counted on me.
I stressed and stressed and stressed over such a pathetic little thing for days. Nothing helped (not even a bath!). It wasn’t until Tuesday, the day before I was to start, that I gave it to God. What pushed me to do this was a post I saw on Facebook from a Christian radio station I like. I realized that my life is His. If he wants me to have this job, I’ll have it. If not, He has a better plan. It’s amazing how much better I felt once I got my head screwed on straight.
Well, I never heard back about the physical. No news is good news, right? Transcripts are on their way and my latest TB test results were faxed in, in plenty of time for me to start work. I had a great first few days getting everything ready, holding an open house, and meeting my 26 new students and their eager parents. It is so neat to see kids and parents who are excited for school and learning! I know I am going to love being a part of this class and school. 🙂
Thanks for reading! If I struck a chord with you, share in the comments!