Core Scripture: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Message: This is that time of year when change happens.  Teachers feel led to interview for different positions.  It hits home all too much for me as that has been my situation.  I suppose I should back up and explain.

Last summer I applied to numerous teaching jobs in the area.  One of them, Heritage Christian Academy, did not have any spots open but asked to keep my resume on file.  Sure enough, after beginning my school year in Osawatomie, they contacted me for an interview.

I wanted to keep my options open, and after being offered a position there to teach 7^th and 8^th grade Language Arts, I signed a contract to teach there in the fall.  Although excited about my new opportunity, I was thrust into a territory I had never been before. 

How do I communicate this to my principal?  My colleagues?  My students?  I didn’t want to burn any bridges or ruffle any feathers.  Now that the cat is officially out of the bag to all, I get to reflect on the entire process. 

Would I do anything different?  Sure.  I wasn’t perfect.  If you find yourself in this situation, here are some thoughts based on what I learned. 

First, you must be honest.  Walking into my principal’s office to let him know I was interviewing was very difficult.  I hated the thought that he might think I was deserting him.  But it was better for him to hear it from me than from a phone call from someone else. 

I could see the hurt in his eyes, but he was thankful for my honesty.  A few weeks following that conversation, I was offered my new position.  After praying about it, the offer was too good to pass up.  I accepted it and knew I had to tell my principal at conferences in February.

Talk about being torn.  My heart was thumping a mile a minute, beating out of my chest.  How do you say this to a man you respect so much?  God had mercy on me.  He led my principal into my room that night, and he outright asked me how my interview process was going. 

Proverbs 12:22 states, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.”  I had to come clean.  Tears welled in my eyes as I told him about my decision.  God helped us both through that moment.

Now, what about my colleagues?  Coming back from conferences that next week, I knew I had to say something.  But how?  When?  Our staff was called into an after school meeting on Monday.  One of our veteran staff members tearfully expressed to the entire room she was leaving in the fall for a new position.

I was taken aback.  The courage she had.  The sincerity.  For her, having worked at our school for so long, it was right.  But for me, I went home wondering.  Do I do the same?  Once again, I prayed, and God answered. 

My situation was different.  I had not built the relationships that the veteran teacher had, but I did have it within my 6^th grade team.  The following morning, once again, I came clean.  It was bittersweet, but they were supportive.  And I felt a load had been lifted from me. 

This is where I faltered.  I could not bear to tell my students.  I kept quiet, and I wish I had been more forthright.  A few kids had even asked what my plans were for next year.  I just couldn’t tell them.  I lied, saying I didn’t know.  My wife lovingly called me out on that one when I told her.

But you know how it is.  Word travels quick these days.  One of my students overheard a conversation in the front office that next week.  She approached me in the hallway and asked the inevitable. 

My heart sank.  I took a deep breath and told her the truth.  I knew I could not hold back any longer to tell the rest of them, and I told the girl that this was not her news to share.  I would be telling everyone tomorrow. 

I rehearsed the speech on my 30-minutes car ride to work that next day.  It was not perfect, but I knew I had to do it.  God gave me the strength to share the message to each class as they came through my doors.  They took it as well as they could.  I was emotionally drained by the end of the day. 

In reflection, I learned so much.  Don’t be secretive.  Be honest.  Tell the truth.  Give your unique situation to the Lord in prayer, and let those who are transitioning be the ones to share.  Hearing it from the actual person means so much more. 

Challenge: Whether you find yourself in the middle of a transition or you are witnessing it with someone else, give your situation to the Lord.  Acting on your own instinct never pans out well. 

Bible study: Use the following scripture to journal about or discuss …

• “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
• “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
• “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

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

• Praise God for new opportunities He gives teachers as they transition from year to year.
• Pray that we can handle these transitions in a Christlike manner.
• Pray for administrators to hire more Christian teachers to mentor our youth. 

Just for fun: This meme is pretty much on the money.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your wisdom as You help teachers transition from this year to next.  We trust You will work everything for Your good!  Amen.