Core Scripture: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

Message: It is here.  The last week of school before Christmas Break.  Survive this week, and your reward is two weeks of bliss.  Sadly, that survival mentality is prominent, and I must admit, that is me right now. 

I don’t just want to survive this week ahead of me.  I want to live out Casting Crowns song “Thrive” when they sing, “It’s time for us to more than just survive/ We were made to thrive.” 

Amen!

So, how?  How does the Christian teacher THRIVE this last week?  Here are a few tips supported with scripture to encourage you.

1. Never lower your standards.  The tendency to let go of your normal routine might be there, but kids need that structure.  Proverbs 13:24 reminds us, “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”  Allowing too much freedom could bring anarchy—especially if an earlier teacher fueled them with sugar!
2. Let them get their wiggles out.  Making kids sit in their desks for the entire period is going to make them go insane.  Try a brain break or a get out of your chair and high five a partner to answer a question.  Play four corners, asking a question and having the kids walk to the corner with the right answer.  Movement gets oxygen to the brain and helps the kids use energy that is just waiting to burst.
3. Have a little fun.  Last Friday I allowed my 4^th hour class to do just that.  They had endured presentations, not to mention KITE testing.  Since they finished a bit early, I allowed them to go to an open space to play a game called “Robots.”  They laughed as we allowed them to control one another through obstacles.  It was a much-needed break to push them through the day.
4. Avoid negativity at all costs.  This is so difficult—especially if other teachers begin to rant.  Philippians 2:14 bluntly states, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.”  Focus your mind on the positives like Philippians 4:8 says.  If a teacher begins to complain about a kid, point out something positive.  Or ask how the problem can be solved.  Don’t feed into the pessimism that looms in the teacher’s lounge. 
5. Keep in the Word and pray daily.  Negating your quiet time this week is embracing surviving over thriving.  In Luke 9:23 Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”  This will put you in the right mindset from the start.  Pray for specific students that are struggling.  “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).

I feel better now.  Almost as if I have created a battle plan.  What about you?  Are you going to limp into Christmas Break, just hoping to survive?  Or are you going to take it to the next level like Casting Crowns and thrive? 

The choice is yours.    

Challenge: Pick what you like from above and tackle this last week of school with purpose and passion.  Remember, you were not meant to just survive—you were meant to thrive!   

Song application: “Thrive” by Casting Crowns

Here in this worn and weary land
Where many a dream has died
Like a tree planted by the water
We never will run dry
So living water flowing through
God, we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls with one desire
Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on high
Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
It’s time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive

Prayer points: Lift up the following areas to the Lord …

• Praise God for the opportunity to send our students off to Christmas Break right!
• Pray that our thoughts, words, and actions can show others who Christ is.
• Pray that we can live out the fruits of the spirit amidst temptation.

Just for fun: Not sure if any of you feel this way, but this meme brought a smile to my face.

Prayer: Lord, give us patience and endurance through this last week of school before Christmas.  May we use it to ready our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Amen.