Change: to be feared or to be embraced?

Change is in the air for many people this time of year. Ever since I became a teacher I have thought that August should mark the New Year simply because, in the community and culture of school, August begins the new year for teachers and students. A selfish thought, making me seem like one who is only aware of what goes on between the walls of the classroom. Which sometimes is true. But often not.

                                                          

I used to be afraid of change. Terrified is more like it. Several years ago I had a dream that changed my feelings toward change... actually, three dreams. They came to me in 1995/96, and each one carried me through a series of events that helped me understand the need for change in my life, not to fear it, and to trust the faith I have in God. They were all related. Too lengthy to describe the dreams, but I did write them down at the time, so I can read them to myself whenever I need a reminder of the message carried to me within those dreams.

                                                           

Many teachers are moved around this time of year. They may be told to move to another classroom, to another grade level, even to another school. The principal moves teachers where she needs them most. Teachers and administrators can be moved about within the school system as well, and placed where they are needed most. Moving is a lot of work. I don't like to move for that reason. There is no extra pay for the days we spend moving.

Other times, teachers make the request to move, as I did last year. I only knew I wanted to change something because I sensed that inside I was starting to feel bogged down. It turned out to be a good move because I was given a larger classroom, and I was able to continue working with my favorite grade level, fifth grade. I also had first and second grade students, and near the end of the year one fourth grade student. I was able to teach pull-out classes and do inclusion.  I had a little bit of everything, my days were full, and now looking back, I see that it was a good year to start in this school.

The winds of change are churning again, so soon. Things have taken place at school, and I don't want to go into details until I know for sure where I'll be, but just to let you know that something very big is brewing.

                                                        

Thanks to those dreams I had many years ago, I am not afraid of the unknown, I am not threatened by something changing my direction or my pace. I give in to it, I surrender to it, I will go with it, like when I lay back and float on an ocean wave. While I'm not looking, the waves will carry me away from the place where I set my towels and shoes. But I don't mind because being carried there by forces stronger than myself is a thrill. Besides, I can always walk back to my place of settling if I don't like where the waves are taking me.

When change faces you, don't fight it. Embrace it, accept the challenge. Especially if it is about making your life better, or the lives of others better. Sometimes sacrifices will be expected of you, and sometimes what you are familiar with will be pulled away from you. But trust in yourself, and if you are a person of Faith, trust in the Lord to take you where you will be made stronger.

Change gives you the opportunity to be what you want to be.

I hope my next entry will be more specific... perhaps tomorrow?

                                                                        

Tags: change, movement