Happy New Year!

I’m a little out of order today in sharing our excerpt from “Called to the Classroom: Daily Reflections for Educators,” but I think Day #80: I Am Disciplined is so fitting for our new year. I hope you all have a relaxing and inspiring day with those you love!

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NLT) 

As one year ends and another begins, it is a common practice to set New Year resolutions. Many view a new calendar year as an invitation to set goals, create plans, and dream big! There is often a determined and disciplined spirit associated with these resolutions - a rush of motivation to develop new skills and progress forward. It’s exciting! But what happens when mistakes and missed deadlines enter the scene, when life becomes busier than anticipated, and when not every plan comes to fruition?

Our reality is messy and complex. Whether we are entering a new year or not, everyday we are reminded that God welcomes us to grow in discipline, surrounded by His grace. Discipline means to train someone in obedience. Out of the same root word comes, “disciple,” which means a learner or follower. When we look closely at these words, we realize discipline is all about being open to learning and obeying. When Paul describes running with purpose in every step, he is pointing to our purpose in Christ. We arise each morning, blessed with new grace and invited into discovery and development, following God’s calling for our lives in trusting obedience.

We do it for an eternal prize. In our role as educators, what is the prize we are running toward? Perhaps, we will all answer this question in our own way today; however, I imagine a common theme is God’s kingdom work. We are called and conditioned to be a light in our communities, sharing love and compassion with those around us. In opening ourselves to learning and following, we develop discipline which glorifies God.

May the Lord Bless You and Keep You:

May God cover you with His grace today.

May you be reminded of how God embraces you, your students, and all those around you.

God has given you more power over your circumstances than you realize.

May the Holy Spirit uplift you in strength and love.

And may the peace of Christ dwell in you as you take steps forward in trusting obedience.