For 31 years I taught in a school setting, 29 of those in the public setting and 2 in private. Today is the first day back in our small town in the public school setting. I miss those days. I miss the feeling of exhileration of the first day. I miss getting to know the kids and laying down the law on the first day. There was a certain amount of stress but also a sense of belonging.
My life changed drastically in 2015 with my cancer diagnosis. All the plans I had to complete 32 years in the public school system went out the door. The only thing that was important was to fight my advanced cancer dagnosis and spend time with my family. Drawing deeper to God was an automatic. I miss those days but I have also grown a lot since those days. I have learned that my identity is not being the best teacher but testifying for the kingdom of Christ. In the end, it is my relationship and your relationship with Him that actually matters. If you do not have one, I strongly encourage you to read scripture and learn just who Christ is and what He did for you. Learn of God and the Holy Spirit. Place your identiy in the triune God. It is the best identiy you will ever have.