If Only

"'If only, if only,' the woodpecker sighs,

'The bark on the tree was as soft as the skies.'

While the wolf waits below, hungry and lonely,

Crying to the moo-oo-oon,

'If only, If only.'"

From the book Holes by Louis Sachar

I've been feeling a lot like the woodpecker recently.  If only I had more copies available, fewer students in my class, or my students didn't have to take 2 state tests in my subject area. It wasn't until this weekend that I realized how dangerous the "If only"'s are. 

If I focus only on the things I wish would change, but can't I'm not only wasting my energy, but committing a terrible sin. God hates complaining, just ask the Israelites who wasted 40 years in the desert grumbling. It's arrogance and mistrust of God. Whenever I complain I'm telling him that I know better than him. I'm saying that my comfort and happiness should be his first priority.

It also hurts my kids. Energy wasted on wishful thinking could be better spent preparing lessons and finding patience in my classroom. If I'm negative, they become negative, and my classroom becomes a den of grumbling. Learning can't happen there. 

The work I do is not easy, but no one, especially the Lord ever said it would be. I have so many blessings and positive things happen throughout each day, that I can't spend my days sighing. So here's to giving up if only, and taking action where I can instead.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

A student hard at work on her persuasive essay. I'm so proud of my kids and their ability to argue. :)