An ending -
that was today.
An ending for this little class and the first step into a beginning for one of its members who won't be here to enjoy the last couple of days of school with us.
This morning I began the morning looking to complete the Bible lessons that had been left for my students and in the process, God had a message of encouragement for us as we stand on the brink of this ending and some new beginnings. It was a message delivered by Moses to Joshua who also stood at the end of a long wilderness wandering and the beginning of a new adventure in the Promised Land. "Be strong and courageous...The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:7-8>
The Lord himself goes before you." Perhaps it's the result of the numerous times I've moved, but those words seem to offer comfort on this day of endings and beginnings. So we talked about how we don't have to be afraid because God has already gone ahead and prepared a place for us and I asked each one of the kids who are making a "big" move how they could see that God had already gone ahead of their family and begun working and preparing a place for them. One mentioned that God had prepared a great school for them and they already had a friend at the school. Another mentioned that God had already provided them with a place to stay and the last one talked about how God had given her family the opportunity to spend three days in their new city so now it wouldn't feel so foreign. And I, I brushed my tears away, overwhelmed by the evidence of a God who cares deeply for these children and their families who have been called to this life of transition.
This morning I began the morning looking to complete the Bible lessons that had been left for my students and in the process, God had a message of encouragement for us as we stand on the brink of this ending and some new beginnings. It was a message delivered by Moses to Joshua who also stood at the end of a long wilderness wandering and the beginning of a new adventure in the Promised Land. "Be strong and courageous...The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:7-8>
The Lord himself goes before you." Perhaps it's the result of the numerous times I've moved, but those words seem to offer comfort on this day of endings and beginnings. So we talked about how we don't have to be afraid because God has already gone ahead and prepared a place for us and I asked each one of the kids who are making a "big" move how they could see that God had already gone ahead of their family and begun working and preparing a place for them. One mentioned that God had prepared a great school for them and they already had a friend at the school. Another mentioned that God had already provided them with a place to stay and the last one talked about how God had given her family the opportunity to spend three days in their new city so now it wouldn't feel so foreign. And I, I brushed my tears away, overwhelmed by the evidence of a God who cares deeply for these children and their families who have been called to this life of transition.
Great one, Beth. This would be good in yr newsletter or even in an SIM newsletter. Very gut! Will be praying for you & your students.
ReplyDeleteAfter I wrote it, I thought the same thing and I debated posting it...but went ahead anyway just cause I was thinking it right then and wanted to put it out there. But I think I may use it in my newsletter to just cause it was such a wonderful glimpse/reminder of God's care for us.
ReplyDeletesuch a great reminder. so thankful for a God who cares about details and is big enough that we don't have to fear. i was reminded of the same thing in isaiah this week.
ReplyDeleteThanks for caring for the kids, Beth. It's been a great privilege to have you help shape Elise this past year. Blessings!
ReplyDelete- Ace.
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ReplyDeleteI realized that my comment might be misunderstood if not read with a Swedish accent. . more like very goot. . anyway. . it's still very good & I love the pic, too!
ReplyDelete