It's that time of the year (especially for teachers and school staff) when everyone is tired. There are 2 more months of school to go, and the last 7 months are weighing heavy on you. I have felt that the last two weeks. We had a nice spring break and it was great to have some time just to rest and do nothing, but it went by fast, and now school is back in full swing. There are lots of days where I find myself exhausted, just wanting to crawl into bed for a few hours, even when I haven't done a lot in that day. Lately, I find myself feeling guilty that I haven't done more this year. I think back on the last few months and think, I could have done more. I could have mentored more girls. I could have started a Bible study. I could have taught English this semester. And the list goes on and on.
But the other night I had an encouraging talk with a friend. I was telling her how it's easy to feel like I failed in my one year here and that I could have done more in the time I had. She told me that when we are really working for God, when we are striving to do His will and what he has called us to do, then He is happy. Then we have done enough. Yes, God challenges us to do more and be more sometimes, but He also knows us and He knows when we are giving as much as we can right now. The truth is, I could always do more. There is always more work to be done. But I can't do it all. No one can. So I have to be faithful with what I have been given and make the most of it. God doesn't want me to be miserable; He wants me to give my all to the things that I am doing. So that is what I must choose to focus on in these last two months. I will work hard and be faithful to what He has called me to do because that is why I'm here. Not to do it all.
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Hi Melissa!
ReplyDeleteFirst I have to tell you that I have really enjoyed reading your blog. I don't do Facebook, I don't read blogs, I don't even know how to text yet! But I have loved hearing what God has been doing in your lives and sharing your adventure with Rachel, my daughter.
Your post this morning is just what I needed to hear. Being a mother of 4 is challenging and I don't feel that I do it well a lot of the time. But you're right, as long as I do the best that I can at any given moment, God is pleased.
Thank you again for sharing your lives with us, we'll continue to pray for your time there in Hungary.
Christy Henry
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteAs I read your blog this morning I wanted to encourage you. There is no doubt in my mind that you (and Brandon) have spoken into many of the students lives there in ICSB. You have changed lives although you might not feel you have. I know you have taken the time to listen to the students and you have spoken words of encouragement, hope, and love. God is pleased with this year you have served him in Budapest.
John 15:5 NIV...I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last.
You and Brandon will be leaving much fruit there at ICSB, some you might not even be aware of. Lives you have touched.
God is pleased...finish well.
Love you,
Robin
Ditto to what Christy and Robin wrote. You guys have been wonderful and it was such a blessing to see it firsthand and to hear it from so many people last month!
ReplyDeleteTwo months though is still a long time. Take these last 2 months and maybe do--even in a smaller way--a few of those things you wish you might have done. Maybe throw Brandon out of the house have a girls sleep over and talk about life and faith instead of starting a Bible Study. Take a Hungarian out for tejes kaffee instead of teaching ESL. You get the idea. Fill these last days with short, one-off, doable experiences that will be really meaningful to you and to those God has brought into your life this year.
And may you be filled with joy!