Today was an Alexander-worthy terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad day. If you don’t get the reference, don’t worry about it. Everyone knows the kind of day I’m talking about. I got news I hoped to never hear, we had a strange schedule, the students were fed up with school, and I was just not feeling up to the task today. But my ride home gave me some perspective that I thought I would share for whenever you stumble through your next “Alexander” day. I promise I’m sharing with my future self as much as I am sharing with you.

I woke up this morning hoping for a great last day with my students before exams and got hit with a roadblock almost every step of the way. The big blow came at 7:45 this morning when our principal announced he would be moving to a central office position in the week following graduation. This is not only the first time I have experienced this type of meeting as a teacher, but it is also an announcement we were all hoping was still several years off. I am very happy for his achievement and I am honored to be able to say I worked for my own high school principal in my first two years as a teacher. But I am saddened to lose a dear mentor and advocate as my principal. He will only be a few minutes down the road doing amazing things for students and teachers across the county, but he will be greatly missed in our building.

I called my mom in tears and she did what she does best; she reminded me of the bigger picture, encouraged me about the future, and urged me to pray and submit my fears/frustrations/sadness to God. What a blessing she is!

I kept pushing myself to remember her advice throughout the day, but the events and attitudes that followed made it tough. When I got in my car this afternoon to leave school, I was mentally and emotionally drained. I knew I needed to recharge, so I put on my Spotify playlist that is filled with worship music. God met my need in that moment. Bethel’s rendition of “It is Well” came on and God spoke to me so clearly through some of the lyrics:

Through it all, through it all,

My eyes are on You

Through it all, through it all

it is well 

[…]

So let go, my soul, and trust in Him

The waves and wind still know His name

[…]

Through it all, through it all,

My eyes are on You

Through it all, through it all

it is well 

This song reminded me that when I fix my eyes on Jesus, everything will be okay. It may not fit into my pretty little plan or make sense to me, but even the waves and wind of each storm I face recognize His holiness. He knows more than I ever will and He will carry me through the days I can’t pick myself up.

I just have to let go and trust in Him. 

I’m nowhere close to perfect, but if I can seek His face instead of my desires, I will be much more content and more prepared when the wind and waves come. His goodness and provision are above it all.

Source

I encourage you to listen to “It is Well” (it is not just a hymn sung at funerals) and allow God to show you where He can meet you today. Whatever your storm may be, He can satisfy your need.

This song is also available on Bethel’s album “You Make Me Brave” on iTunes. (It is an amazing worship album.)