I often find myself preaching to a room full of 10 year olds. Sometimes I reprimand their poor grades, sometimes I remind them that I am there to help. Mostly, I spew out wisdom about being thankful for what they have. Such as a teacher who still accepts late assignments or a treasure box full of fun prizes every week.
Tonight, I feel overwhelmed with thankfulness. A thankfulness that I often try to force, but never recognize myself. Sometimes it takes extraneous situations to really make you realize that you have a lot more than you really need or even deserve.
As many of you know, I am a teacher. Among one of the most selfless jobs...so I've heard. Well, when someone tells you that, you think, "Hey, I AM pretty important, huh?" Then you slowly forget where you came from. From dirt, from nothing. Well, I'm here to say that I remember where I've come from.
I remember that I am wrong, that I am broken, that I am poor. I remember these things because that isn't me anymore. My Lord took my worthlessness, my stupidity, my anger, my impatience, my bad attitude, my financial struggles, my self-image, my family. He took it ALL and said, "It's okay, Sarai. I can handle this for you."
I am THANKFUL that I don't have to worry about where my next meal is coming from or whether or not I will have a job in a month or in a year. I am thankful that the Lord calls me to trust in Him and His grace and faithfulness daily. I am thankful that I struggle with stress, worry and anxiety. Most people would never be thankful for these things. I am thankful because my daily struggles remind me that I am not alone. They keep me in check. They teach me to share my burdens with the Lord.
