Just Making It

This is the sermonette I used in last week's FCA meeting.

Narrative:

Spring Break is just around the corner. I think it’s safe to say that many of us our counting down the days, because we know the week will hold time for family, naps, sleeping in, a break from classes, a break from workouts and everything else that’s exciting and relaxing. Some of us may also have already started a similar countdown til the end of the semester… there is so much to be excited for in the summer. When I was in college, and even still today, I rely on the break and associated activities to re-energize me. As you start the countdown, how many of you think, 'If I can just make it through the next 5 days, I will be fine.'

Take a step back. Think about what we’re relying on. If we’re just making it, we’re relying on the upcoming break or activities to carry us through the week. And, therefore, we are not relying on the Lord. So, basically, we’re trusting in the upcoming sleep, family visits, break from school, and other relaxing and fun activities planned MORE THAN we’re trusting in God.

So… what’s wrong with this?! God wants our full attention and for us to completely trust in Him—to understand that He alone can bring meaning to our lives. We don’t have to rely on an activity or circumstances; we can simply “get by” with Him alone.

In John 14:1, Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust alone in me.” He tells us we don’t have to look to outside sources to provide our purpose and comfort.

There are two important promises from God we need to keep in mind…

1.) HE IS ALWAYS WITH US.

In Jeremiah 29:11, we are reminded that God promises that He will be with us through all things and that He has a plan for us. No matter how hard our situations are or what we are going through, God is there, always guiding us. And, in Isaiah 43:2, He tells us he will guide us and will not leave us when things get hard by saying, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

When we feel as if we need to just make it to the next thing, when we have to make difficult decisions, and in other trying times, God is with us and He has a perfect plan us. All you have to do is trust in Him, which brings the 2^nd important promise…

2.) HE CAN BE TRUSTED.

We can trust God because He never lies. Never. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Since God never lies, we can trust His Word and that He is our shepherd and strength.

With Spring Break upcoming, I thought this week would be a good reminder that we should not being trying to ‘just make it’ through. We should embrace each day that is gifted to us and remember that God’s plan for us is perfect.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you caught yourself just trying to make it through til Spring Break or in other situations or times of the year?

2. What can you do or do you already actively try to do to better embrace today and thrive in the moment?

3. Do you have an example of how you were just trying to make it through, but were reminded that God was in control and had the perfect plan for you?

Rephrase:  How does this concept of just making it through resonate with you? 

I Said. I Say. I Know.

I cannot wait til I'm done with college, I said.
I will never work in education, I said. 
I will be a career, suit-wearing woman, I said. 
I will never work with students, I said. 
Soccer mom, yes; recess, no thanks, I said.
I will never teach, I said. 

Cannot, will not, never, no thanks. 
Can do, will do, always, yes please. 

Started college, been on a campus ever since, I say.
Higher education defines my life, I say.
A non-suit-wearing career is best, I say. 
Love working with students every day, I say. 
Soccer mom, not quite; recess and play days, please, I say. 
We all teach every day, I say. 

Can do, will do, always, yes please. 
Cannot, will not, never, no thanks. 

Not leaving campus life anytime soon, I know.
My education and learning will never end, I know. 
The importance of my career is not defined by garb, I know.
I will never be without 'students,' I know. 
Time will tell, I know.
He will not fail me and will guide me, I know. 

A Mixed Bag of Blessings and Reliving the Good 'ol Days

Find a career you're passionate about and that you love. Do this and they say you'll never work a day in your life. I'm all about filling my day with work I'm passionate about, but (despite what some students might think) I'm just as much or more about having fun. Today's work fun was a trip down memory lane... 

It's not atypical that I take college student-athletes to visit elementary schools for assemblies, classroom reading visits, play days and literacy events. Today, as is true of every month, I took a group of students to an awards lunch for students that met their reading goals. The difference today... it was snowing. So, of course, I had to wear my snow boots with my dress pants, which per the fashion assessment by the college students was NOT the best look. After lunch, we proceeded to the playground like normal. By the end of recess, I was running around in the snowfall playing tag with the elementary students and student-athletes. How often does someone with an office job get to return to lunch recess to play tag in the snow after they graduate 5th grade?! "Never" might be a better response than "not often." Today was not only a trip down memory lane, but fun. Laughing at each other, with each other and at ourselves. It was one for the books. 

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Some days I wish I had the time to countdown the minutes til 5 p.m. Those days are the ones like today. The days when I'm trying to cram as much as I can into my day so I can try my very best to leave by 8 p.m. and limit the day's work hours to 12. Needless to say, I don't have the opportunity to be 'bored' while at work. Some days are all smiles, laughs and good times. Other days, however, are a mixed bag. Smiles and laughter one moment, tears and tissue the next. There's unrealistic time demands, story times by many, and high-stress situations running amuck. These are the days you pray would end quickly. These are the days you ask for a reminder about the important things in life. 

Today, my reminder of the important things... a video of my two year old godson singing "Jesus Loves Me" as he was getting ready for bed. Not just a reminder, but a blessing in so many ways. 

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You typically don't spell "cool kids" in high school with "AP US History." But, let's face it... at Prosser High School, AP US History meant you were in Mr. D's class. Being in Mr. D's class meant you were on the "cool kids" list. Being a DC Mustang with Mr. D solidied your spot on that list. Really, being a DC Mustang simply means you had a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit our nation's capital with 70 classmates during Spring Break. 

Today Mr. D posted on Facebook: "OK DC Mustangs veterans, share one of your most memorable/ funny memories of the trip you went on!" At the day's end, over 60 comments and memories were left. Reading through the comments was a great opportunity to relive the good 'ol high school days and be reminded about all the lessons and experiences DC Mustangs provided. After 10 years, I figured it was okay to let some of our truly greatest memories and TOP secrets be made known to Mr. D. Like the fact that the bedframe in one room was broken because too many people were jumping on the bed. But, it was nothing the guys couldn't fix with a little duct tape and pillows. But, then there was also seeing Michael Jordan play in his last professional basketball season. And, having the Secret Service make our whole group back-up from the White House baracade because the exchange student with the group started climbing the fence at the White House. 

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Appreciate the memories. Fill your life with fun. And, relive the good 'ol days when you have the opportunity.