That famous quote aptly describes my past two weeks. Some of you may know that I am a bit of a perfectionist, and therefore hate to not have done a superb job at anything I do. That said, imagine me in front of a lesson plan book, which has the workload laid out for about 70 students for whom I am responsible. I felt the weight of that responsibility. Now fast-forward to more recently, I realized that 2 1/2 weeks' worth of planning is partially useless because the level and sequence I planned on teaching simply won't work with this age group. To say it briefly, I was a ball of frayed nerves.

But let's not forget how it has been "the best of times" as well! Throughout this period, darkened by dramatized dismay, there were patches of blissful light. The Lord had to remind me (quite often, in fact) that He is in control--of everything. I believe I touched up on that fact in my last blog, but it is a truth that is continually being renewed (as all truths should be). God has been faithful to provide comfort, assurance, and ability in subtle and ordinary ways, which is His usual style. Praise His name for answered prayer! School started on Wednesday (Aug 6th), and I found that I am in my element when I am in front of a classroom. When all is said and done, the Lord has filled my heart with love for those students and I want the best thing for them on all fields of their life. The sulking faces with the sour attitudes are just as endearing to me as the bright, smiling ones. I just can't wipe off my smile!

It is obvious to me that I have lots of prayers behind my back. Thank you for them all! Please continue because I know that the days are coming when I'm not going to feel quite so sure about my place in a school. During those times, I'm going to need assurance and encouragement to penetrate deeply past my own thoughts. Now I praise the Lord because I know He is faithful and knows what is ahead!