Back to School Shopping

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I’m super excited about this planner. Why? It’s beautiful. It organized. It feels like exactly what I need. It’s also the first back to school item I bought. Typically by August 1st, I have already done ALL my back to school shopping. This year… I have been waiting, unsure what to buy when staring a back-to-school year unlike others.

Not sure about you, but I’m a planner. I like a schedule. I like knowing exactly what to expect. Not having these things sends me spiraling. Basically… I like being in control. But truthfully, I’ve never actually been in control. But I have created the illusion of control. With that illusion gone, I’m needing more than ever to lean into Truth.

I was inspired a few weeks ago by another person’s post encouraging teachers to write in pencil because lesson plans, schedules, and modes of instruction may change. We need to be flexible. But there are things we can write in pen: God’s truth, our firm foundation.

Metaphorically, I’m writing my school plan in pencil. (I use gel pens and color code everything so really I’m just going to use white out but pencil is a better comparison.)

What will I write in pen?

Truth: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Blank pages, blank canvases, and the unknown can be scary to look at. But, it can also be so incredibly full of potential. So as I stare at the blank pages of a beautiful but empty planner, I will think on what is true, just, pure, lovely, excellent and worthy of praise.

What is true: I can write out my faith, in the form of bible verse, in the margins to anchor me when plans change.

What is excellent: I can write inspirational quotes in my margins too. Others who have gone before me can encourage my journey.

What is lovely: my family time. Our pillow fort Friday, movie nights, Taco Tuesday and camping trips. I can be intentional. Too long I’ve bought into the lie that during the school year I can give 110 percent to my students because I will have summer and holidays with my family. Rather than waiting for it to slow down or be fixed, I want to enjoy my family in the moment and not let them get lost in the shuffle.

What is praiseworthy: I can write down when something goes well. (Or put a pretty sticker by it 😀)

I can also live out the truth that this is just a season. Albeit, an incredibly sucky one filled with disappointments. Just like seasons in nature change this season to will change. Something else will emerge, shift, or change. So prayerfully, I can have full faith that by the end of this particular season, after this planner has been filled and well used, I will be a better version of myself: stronger, more flexible, and more faithful.

What are you doing to think on what is true and lovely?

Do you have a bible verse or quote I could add to my planner?