Every time we have a break from school, I find myself living in that beautiful space between calm and chaos. Yes, I miss my students, but it's always nice to take some time for myself. Giving yourself grace is hard at times. Personally, I struggle with having such high expectations for myself and when I don't always meet those standards, I feel like a failure. I burn out quickly because my mind is constantly flooded with thoughts of "what if" and "I should have gotten that done" or "I could have done _____ better." Oftentimes, the resounding phrase, "I can't do this anymore" replaces my gung-ho attitude of "I've got this!" Work is a common stressor for many people and sometimes you have to know when to put the brakes on, take a deep breath, and allow yourself some time to decompress. Even as I write this, I realize how difficult that statement can be to follow through on. Grace is such a powerful word that each of us could use a little more of.
The word grace is defined as unmerited favor. It isn't something we deserve or something we can earn. Rather, it is given freely so that we can feel a sense of peace in our lives. Here is my message to you today: You don't have to try so hard to earn grace. It isn't about how hard you work or how much you pour your heart out for others. It isn't about how much money you make or don't make. It isn't about being the best at everything you touch. Grace is about freely giving. If you give yourself grace, it means you recognize that you can never be enough on your own, yet you need to stop and reflect on life. Think about the good, the bad, and the ugly. Determine in your mind to stop running yourself ragged. Give yourself the time it takes to breathe and let go of the stress that has built up in your life.
Teacher friends, I know we definitely struggle with giving ourselves grace. We worry so much about the mental/emotional health of our students but our own mental/emotional health falls by the wayside. We don't talk about it. We rarely think about it. We consider students our sole purpose and focus, which isn't a bad thing. A good teacher worries about his or her students even after school hours. But give yourself some grace in the space between calm and chaos. So much of our day and our time is spent running around trying to get things done, no matter what profession. Teacher...you have a stack of papers to grade? Give yourself some grace. Mom...you have laundry piled up? Give yourself some grace. Nurse, you have a 12-hour shift to work? Give yourself some grace. College student, you have 10 assignments due in the next week? Give yourself some grace. Just take one day, one hour, or 5 minutes...whatever time you need. Take it.
The most amazing thing about grace is just that...it is amazing grace. When we can't give ourselves grace, it is freely given to us by Jesus Christ. When we are weak, stressed out, and mentally drained, there is grace. He is strong and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We don't deserve it. No good deeds or works could help us earn it. Grace is freely given. Accept that you can have this amazing grace. Allow yourself to bask in His grace. Jesus speaks life unto us. His grace is more than enough. As a Child of the King, grace is given. It doesn't matter the situation, the time of day, or your mental state. GRACE IS GIVEN.
2 Corinthians 12:9-And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...