Let's move on, shall we?

Since I've accomplished all the things on my "to-do" list (see previous post) and surgery is now over (it went well, email me if you want to know more), it's time to move on.
I was finally able to pray last night about what is coming next. I don't know what's been blocking me or stopping me from praying about my future, but something was. But last night, as I lay in bed, I found myself thanking God for what's next. Telling him I'm excited for whatever it is he has, and how I need his direction right now because I don't know where to start.
So today I will work on my application for within the Lutheran school system. I printed the essay questions a few weeks ago, lost the first copy, and printed a new one yesterday. Today I will write the answers. Things like my philosophy of education, about my own faith, why I'm committed to the doctrines and teachings of the LCMS. You know, simple stuff like that. To me the answers are pretty simple, but I need to make them sound professional. Hmmm...that should be super fun.
I've spent a lot of time this week with people I love and care about. My love tank is just about full, and it's only Wednesday. I was supposed to take it easy this week. Lay low. I've been so tired from the procedure last week, that it's hard not to take it easy. I've had lots of people who are happy to rest with me. Many movies have been watched, conversations had, and naps taken. I'm going to spend some more time reading Waking the Dead by John Eldredge today. I think I'll get to that right now.

So far, in seven days, I have completed report cards for 22 students, packed and moved my entire classroom (including sorting through many years of files!), hosted a 40th anniversary part, written a letter to everyone who received my initial support letter to let them know I will not be pursuing the development project with HTI, addressed 320 envelopes, and put them all in the mailbox. I call every single donor between yesterday and today, and either left messages or spoke directly with them. I cleaned my house, did all my laundry, and still had time to watch disc 3 of season 3 of The Office. I am feeling exceedingly accomplished. I'll bask in this for just a bit.

drowning

I am envious of those who can make a list of things that must be accomplished, rank it according to importance, and do it just like they planned. Goal-setting, prioritizing, accomplishments.
These things seem to escape my ability to comprehend. I'm going to go address envelopes.

Paper Aversion

I don't do well with paper. I don't like it. I loose small pieces with important information on them. Every time I move, I stuff all these papers into a box, only to find them the next time I move, untouched. Credit card applications, directions to destinations, gas receipts, notes from my family and friends. Every now and then, I'll file the necessary ones, and shred the rest. But this is also a major production, as it requires me to sit still.

Right now I have all these little sayings that I like, from this tear-0ff calender thingy a student gave me, stuck to my monitor. They've started falling off. And I'm packing up my classroom for the last time. So I have to put them somewhere that I won't loose them. And the lightbulb just went on!

"I have made this letter longer than usual because I lack the time to make it shorter." --Blaise Pascal

"Life is a series of surprises, and would not be worth taking or keeping, if it were not." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." --Henry Brooks Adams

"You are not in charge of the universe; you are in charge of yourself." --Arnold Bennett

"One must learn by doing the thing; for though you think you know it, you have no certainty, until you try." --Sophocles

"Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." --George Herman ("Babe") Ruth

Rain Delay

I went to the Botanical Gardens today with my friend Karen, and her two beautiful children. We were almost there when it started sprinkling. By the time we got inside, got tickets, and got upstairs to go out the doors, it was raining. Then it poured. And poured. And poured. This gave us some good chatting time. She said, "This reminds me of what's going on in your life. Not that it's pouring, but that we had this great plan, we drove straight for the plan, and when we got here, it was a lot different than we thought it would be. That's like your life right now."
I'm so thankful others are able to see what God is doing, and that they are part of this grand adventure with me.