My Grandpa was known for coining several phrases, including, "Getting old ain't for sissies!" This he would say when telling us about his myriad knee problems that plagued him for the last several years of his life. In the spirit of old Grandpa Glen, I would like to coin my own phrase:
Teaching early morning Seminary ain't for sissies.
How would you know? you may wonder. Welp, it's because I teach early morning Seminary. Every dang (week)day. Early morning Seminary is much like a Bible Study class for members of other faiths. It is unique in that it is exclusively for high school kids (grades 9-12) and that it is at 6 am. I myself was a graduate of early morning Seminary and am proud to have that little badge.
When I was asked to teach, I was 8 months pregnant with baby Nina. I was excited very quickly before I remembered that I was about to have a newborn! (How I could momentarily forget is beyond me.) After lots of thought, prayer, and discussion, Matt and I decided to say yes, in spite of our family, friends, and even logic saying we were nuts. I am happy to tell you that I was then, and still am of sound mind and body.
I can't sugar-coat my life, though. I have not been this overwhelmed in a pretty long time. Waking up at 5 am, teaching for an hour, going home to my two littles, planning lessons, attempting to maintain a clean house, entertaining Tate, trying to get Nina to sleep during the day, making healthy food, and teaching four fitness classes a week keeps me busy and my life full. I spent a good portion of September crying over what I thought was a very silly decision on my part.
On the other hand, I have to count my blessings. I teach 17 seniors every day - a chance to hearken back to my glory days when I taught high school. Those students are everything teenagers usually are - smart, hilarious, creative, persistent, and downright adorable. Their faith is what makes them unique and they inspire me daily. And I don't say that as a cliche. I teach the New Testament and study the perfect life of our Savior Jesus Christ every day. Every morning I have the opportunity to consider the blessings that God has granted me, and I work to teach by and feel His Spirit. Yes, my life is insane. But, yes, as in anything God asks us to do, the blessings far outweigh the hardship.
Much of what I am learning is either too boring or too personal to share, but I did want to share one thing. When the school year started, Nina was a very tiny 9 week old baby. Since she was born, I prayed fervently that she would learn to sleep through the night before I started teaching Seminary. I know myself: I need my sleep to function. At 7 weeks, baby Nina started sleeping through the night and has kept it up since then. I can't help but compare my experience to what Christ teaches in the Sermon on the Mount. I see my situation particularly when He speaks to His newly-called apostles. He is sending them out to preach and telling them to not worry about clothes, food, etc. (Matt. 6:31-33)
"Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (How will I teach at 6 am if I am up with a baby during the night?) For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (Heavenly Father knows that I have been called to teach early morning Seminary) But seek ye first the kingdom of God (accept what He asks you to do -- in this case, teach Seminary...), and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (and He will bless you with what you need: a baby who sleeps through the night)."
It may seem silly to pray so hard for my baby to sleep, but it was important to me and Heavenly Father showed me it was important to Him, too. We call it the Seminary Miracle. I am so thankful for what I am learning right now, in spite of the long hours and hard work.
In a nutshell: God knows us, He loves us He wants to bless us. If we serve Him, the blessings will rain right on down.
8 comments:
Oh my goodness! I didn't know you were doing this. For the record - those seniors are so so so lucky to have you for their seminary teacher. I would LOVE to take seminary from you. You are amaze-ing. (The dash is there for emphasis).
I say this not tongue in cheek at all--early morning seminary teaching might be worth it for a baby that sleeps. At that age, and for many months to come, my N was still crying from 10pm-2am. Every. Single. Night. Slight cheekiness on my part, but I do wish you all the best!
I think you are pretty amazing Alissa!!
I love it when you blog. So honest, so raw...
I bet you are a STELLAR seminary teacher and those are some serious formative years for those kids' testimonies. You are doing a good thing that will really stick with them. I miss you! I want you to come visit me and TJ too! Just say when!
Wow Allissa, amazing!! I LOVED reading this post. I have a fraction of an understanding how you feel about your calling. I teach Gospel Doctrine and spend every day preparing and digging into the gospel. At the beginning there were so many tears and was very aware of all my insecurities. But Heavenly Father strenghthens us in ways we never thought possible. I now LOVE my calling and love having the spirit teach me every day of my life. I can only imagine it is 10X more so for you with the demands of every day early morning seminary. You truly are one amazing Mom, Lady, and Wife!!!
Honey. I adore you. And I am amazed at your faith and persistance. It's so easy to think that this has become easy (read, routine) for you because I don't see so much of your life firsthand. thanks for everything you do.
Honey. I adore you. And I am amazed at your faith and persistance. It's so easy to think that this has become easy (read, routine) for you because I don't see so much of your life firsthand. thanks for everything you do.
I've been there Alissa. I know EXACTLY what you are saying and experiencing. I always felt that the Lord blessed our family with increased peace and the Spirit because I brought home the Seminary Spirit with me. Keep up the great work. They are so lucky to have you!
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