Spiders Teach Lessons?

In hopes to teach the parts of a plot, I shared a personal narrative with my seventh & eighth graders that might have given them a few ideas for April Fools Day this year.  The story was about my first encounter with a spider: an encounter which resulted in my never-ending fear of spiders.

As I was challenging my students to come up with a theme for the story I read them, I started thinking to myself how the theme of fear seems to continue to surface in my life.  Though I tend to have a rough exterior, and can be pretty independent, somehow I have an underlying soft tissue right below the surface, and a cloud of fear lurking over me that manages to block the Son from view.

When I decided to take on the extra job as the Elementary Music teacher at the SCCLC, I was scared out of my mind.  I showed up to the 3rd grade music class with acid in my throat, sweaty palms, and a stomach ache.  But God showed up with Tums, Talcom Powder, 7up & Crackers.  As soon as the cute little 3rd graders hesitantly walked into my class an overwhelming peace came over me, and it was like I had been teaching Music for years.  That confidence could not have come from anyone but my ultimate Protector.

Thats not the only way He has protected me this week. God has given me a lot of grace this week.  he got me through PreK and Kindergarten Music classes to the point where they might have even been the highlight of my week.  He introduced me to the 6th graders & their spunky rebellion that presents a challenge that I am more than willing to accept.  He gave me the chance to have an awesome conversation with one of my students about loving others.  He opened doors to get to know a whole different side to the SCCLC that I was blind to: the Elementary side.  God continues to show up, He continues to be my protector, and He continues to save the day.

Overall I am overwhelmed and overjoyed with blessings straight from heaven.  I knew that I needed to let go of my fears and allow God to take over.  Teaching music class wasn't (so far) as BIG of a deal as I allowed it to be in my mind. I'm being stretched in a way that has brought me joy because I knew from the beginning that I couldn't do it on my own--and I have been forced to let God protect me from my fears.  Maybe I will be able to face my fear of spiders now!
....yeah right.

Thanks for reading, encouraging & praying!  SEE BELOW for specific ways you can be praying this week!

-Rachel

Prayer Requests:

• Staff Retreat TOMORROW & SATURDAY: safe travels, rest, & bonding time w/teachers & staff
• MOVE IN DAY: Dpo & I are moving to our new apartment Sunday but we need beds! (-__-)
• SAM meetings next week on budget & other things: pray for my attention span, and effective time management
• Strength in the newness of music class & ability to develop a classroom management system
• Continued development of my relationships with students: Elementary & Middle School alike
• Wednesday CHAPELS: That God would be overwhelmingly present & kids would respond to Him
• SPORTS GAMES: safety & fun :)