Going for the goal

It has become evident that I have a few challenges that I need to begin preparing myself for. The first occurred to me as I walked into my classroom for the first time this summer...it is a mess! I was so blessed to have had my little girl in the Spring and to be allowed so  much time with her. The downside about not ending the school year is that I was unable to pack up my room. I have A LOT of organizing to do and since there have been groups in my room over the summer, I also have some additional cleaning to do. My goal is to have my room done in the next couple of weeks so that I can solely focus on lesson plans. I do not want to have to stay any later in the evenings than necessary. I don't want lesson plans/preparation to be the reason I have to stay after. I want to leave at 4p, pick up my little girl from the sitter, and spend the evening with her and my husband. We'll see how this goes.

My next challenge is to mentally prepare myself for leaving my daughter in about 4 weeks. I have been so blessed to have spent all the time that I have with her. I have soaked in every day and I can't imagine not being with her all day long. I know I can do it and I know it will be fine...it just makes my heart sad when it crosses my mind. We're blessed to have such a wonderful sitter and I know she will be loved and well cared for.

On the flip side of that, I am looking forward to going back. There have been many comments made about mothers returning to work. For most of us it is a necessity. I have been blessed to secure a job that I love and feel called to do. Because of this, I am glad to return and continue the work that God has chosen for me. It's a major mix of emotions. I DO NOT want to leave my daughter but I do want to do what I feel God calling me to do. I feel confident in my decision to work outside of the home, not just because financially it is a must, but because God has opened the door for our daughter to be in wonderful hands. I do not feel like I would be as comfortable returning to work if it weren't for our amazing sitter. God has covered all the bases and it is my job to move forward in faith.

The last major challenge that I have before me right now is training for my upcoming 5k. It will be my first trail run. While I have completed 5ks in the past, training for this one is proving to be a lot more difficult. My training will help however, in losing the weight that I need to lose and improve my overall health. The race I will be completing is the Run 4 Mercy 5k. The proceeds go to benefit a very special ministry that tends to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of young women who are dealing with a variety of life altering situations (i.e. abuse, eating disorders, human trafficking, etc.). It is an honor to be able to run for such an important cause.

I wanted to share a few verses that Mercy Ministries has designated for the race that also serve for both the 5k and our everyday living...

"I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end." Ps. 119:32-33

"...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Is. 40:31


"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us..." Hebrews 12:1

I'm also working on mini-goals and will hopefully post them soon!