The end of quarter is always a stressful time. It is stressful for students as they attempt to put their best foot forward and earn the best grade possible. It is stressful for teachers as they deal with the multiple requests and demands that come at the end of the quarter (many of which they wish would have come a lot earlier) and get all of the submitted materials graded and recorded.
As I looked around the classroom, I saw faces that reflected the way I felt: tired and drained! It was during one of the evening massive grade sessions that I was listening to music and was struck by the lyrics of one of the songs. The song is titled “Beyond Me” by Toby Mac, and I will quote some of the lyrics:
You take me to the place where I know I need You
Straight to the depths that I can't handle on my own
And Lord I know, I know I need You
So take me to Your great
Take me to Your great unknown
Yeah, You gave me the stars, put them out of my reach
Call me to waters just a little too deep
Oh, I've never been so aware of my need
Yeah, You keep on makin' me see
It's way beyond me
Anything that I got the strength to do
In over my head keeps me countin' on You
I'm leaving the sweet spot, sure shot
Tradin' it all for the plans You got
Wow! This song made me stop and think! When I look back over my life, it was the times of difficulty where I experienced the most growth. Living life in the sweet spot is sure a lot easier and more enjoyable, and yet, not what I am necessarily called to do.
I have a tendency to rely on me, myself, and I. When life is going well, in particular, I often feel like I am handling life well. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Stressful times are never fun! If they cause me to turn my focus back on God and to rely on His strength instead of trying to do it all myself, then bring them on! It’s the eternal picture of life that interests me the most! With His help, it is possible to do more than I could even think or imagine!
I looked up what Toby Mac had to say about the song, “Beyond Me.” He said that as he enters the studio he utters the prayer, “God, breath something through me beyond me. Something I could never conjure up on my own.
Something I’m not poetic enough to write or wise enough to write. Something that would turn eyes to You.” I hope to make my daily prayer. “God, please give me the energy, strength, ability, and desire to do those things today that you would have me do. Use me so that I might say and do the things that turn others eyes to You. May they see “Beyond Me!”
Krista Koch,
Math Teacher