Just do your best.....

This morning, I was up before the cloud cover lifted and was off to Allentown in order to take a test to add Middle School Language Arts to my teaching certifications. It was a bit of a challenge for me, I must admit. I haven't been formally educated in new teaching practices where Language Arts instruction is concerned for quite some time. Being a Reading Teacher for the past five years, I felt comfortable with the works that were presented in the test. I felt comfortable with authors and passages. I even felt comfortable with some of the writing questions. My uncertainty came in the forms of English terms and practices. Only time will tell.....now it is just a waiting game.

As I sat at the computer, ready to begin the testing, my heart pounding out of my chest, nerves definitely getting the best of me, the one piece of comfort I felt was almost surreal. I could hear a whispering in my ear that kept repeating, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) It was almost as if the nervousness lifted and I calmly began the testing, reading carefully each question presented to me. Without a doubt or question in my heart or mind, I knew that I could do this. While I may have to wait for 15 days to receive scores, I felt confident in my attempt. My oldest daughter text messaged me last night and reminded me of the words I often spoke to her....."Just do your best" she advised. Wise girl!

I think we often forget that, while we all want to be perfect, it is unrealistic to truly believe we can be or expect others to Beas well. We set high standards for ourselves and then become saddened or depressed with our performance if we don't do as well as we think we should have done. In reality, if we have done our best, shouldn't that be good enough? All throughout my daughters' school years, I tried to promote the idea that good grades are wonderful however, if the grade is truly reflective of the best effort you could give, I am happy with that. If you tell me you could have studied more, given more effort, could have cared about the grade more, then I will be disappointed in the end result if it is not great. "Just do your best"

Today, as I was reminded that my strength in facing worrisome situations truly comes from above, it gave me peace and comfort to know that I was giving it my best. Perhaps I truly am on the path back to 500 Ore Street, after all. Perhaps it is the quiet whispers in my dark hours that will show me the way.  I have not lost hope and faith.....I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me and so can you!