“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
— 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)Shortly after my surgery came the first day of school. As a high school teacher, this is usually one of my favorite days of the year—the energy, the excitement, and this year especially, the joy of having both of my kids, Selah and Titus, in the same school with me.
I had pictured driving to school together, walking into the building with them, and grabbing those special first-day photos. But instead, I had to watch them head off without me. My own “first day” with students won’t come until later in September, once I’ve healed more.
And while I know in my heart that it’s only a few short weeks, emotions hit hard. Disappointment, sadness, and even some grief tried to take over.
But I’m learning in this season to surrender each thought and emotion to the Lord. He reminds me that while my plans have shifted, His purposes have not. My heart may ache, but His peace is greater.
There will always be moments in life when our expectations don’t match reality—when we have to sit on the sidelines for something we were really looking forward to. But it doesn’t mean God has forgotten us.
He calls us to lay down our emotions, our plans, and our disappointments, and trust that His timing is perfect.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
So, I’ll keep looking forward to my first day back with students, but more importantly, I’ll keep looking upward—trusting that even in this pause, God is doing a good work in me.
Lord,
When emotions rise and disappointment comes, help me to surrender it all to You. Thank You that You care for my every thought, my every tear, and my every longing. Teach me to trust Your timing and find joy in the waiting.
Amen.
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