I've met some serious bug bears in teaching. It's called Marking. The thought of marking gives me shivers down my spine. It's not exactly the worlds most exciting event. Time is 2:30am on a Monday morning and I'm still struggling to finish marking my 3 classes of papers. I've decided to split them up into two sections, Comprehension and Summary. The technique seems to be working as I can mark 2 scripts of Compre together at once, hence saving a little time. Summary will be a challenge I reckon. :-p

How bad is this? Bad enough for me to have thoughts of giving up, of just not doing this at all. "Surely there is a better way for me to change a person's life? Surely it would be more effective elsewhere? Surely...." How easy it would be for me to quit. 1 Month notice. No bond, nothing to lose. I've gotten a taste of teaching life and it might not be suitable for me. So easy, don't you think?

And yet, as I feel so low, stressed & downcast, the tiny voice within strikes out, "Have you committed this to the Lord? Have you surrendered in your times of trials and committed this issue before Him?" And by the grace of God, I have been gently reminded that in all I do, I must surrender it to Him, yes, even marking.

He will be the one that guides my hand in marking the scripts. He will be the one that gives me additional wisdom in deciding on what is right and what is wrong.

I thank You Lord, for your love, grace and mercy you have showered upon me. I need nothing else except You in my life.

This song has encouraged me as I do my marking, I hope it will do the same for you. =)


If You Want Me To - by Ginny Owens

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

'Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley
If You want me to