I have landed here more times than I would like to count this schoolyear. Each time I find myself staring at a blank screen, will type a few words and then delete them as quickly as they came.

Writing has not come easy this year. I might as well be honest with you about that. I often sit with a thought rattling through my mind, but as I attempt to share that on my screen, the thought disappears or begins to feel inadequate. Or I start an entry that I feel will encourage (or at least recognize the struggles of teaching at this time in history) but then life once again changes on a dime, and I seem to have lost the opportunity.

In the midst of a couple of years unlike any others in my teaching career, I would love to have the right words to share to encourage the teaching community. If only I had the answers that would make the task seem less daunting, we could feel more confident in what we are doing. If only there was a step-by-step plan I could share, it could lessen the struggle for us all. If only, I could keep up with things enough to even know what to share. If only…

This past week, I spent some time reading the book of Ruth and was struck by the truth that Ruth was also living through big moments of uncertainty. She married into a culture that she did not initially understand and then lost her husband to an early death leaving her with no means of protection or survival (a woman did not just “go and find a job” in that culture).

As Ruth’s story continues, she is faced with everything new (a new home, a new country, a new way of life). Through all of these changes, God provides and walks Ruth’s journey with her. This encourages me as a teacher. Regardless of what new challenge makes its way into my classroom, God will be faithful to walk each step with me.

As the year has drawn to a close and I am starting to look toward a new schoolyear, I can trust that nothing surprises God. There will not be anything for which He does not have a plan.

Teacher, take some time to rest. Take some time to trust.