Bells, lesson beginnings and endings, duties, start of days, finish of days, marking due, reports due, meeting today, no meeting tomorrow...and yes…I know EXACTLY when the next holiday is due.
It is useful, but also sometimes disheartening, when your home life can also mirror what happens in the workplace. A tough day can often be brought home and made tougher.
The children of schoolteachers may or may not be subjected to the same types of rules, routines and procedures at home – whether intentional or not.
I remember my Dad always warning me about getting into a "rut"- possibly defined as a boring routine, a fixed way of doing things.
I believe God does not want our life to get into a "rut".
Now our life may not always be spontaneous. I do pride myself in being able to memorise my timetable so I know exactly what I have, where I will teach it and when I will teach it so don't you dare upset my routine without telling me!!
We have a sphere of influence around us each day and I think it is vital for Christians to not allow that "rut" or routine to get in the way of doing good.
I am not always aware of what type of night or morning the students or teachers or support staff have had, but I believe God makes me aware of how I should approach each day:
I am reminded of Galatians 6 verse 9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
There are times I must admit I have wanted to give up on people around me. Maybe wash my hands caring for people (students!) who don't do what I want them to do, or they "clash" with my personality, don't agree with my point of view or just don't seem to care.
But God has never given up on me. I can do good, even if I am in a "rut." I can be Jesus to those around me. The people in my sphere of influence are my opportunity each day.
Why would I want to be anywhere else?
Russell Modlin teaches English and Physical Education at a Christian School on the Sunshine Coast. He is married to Belinda and they have three children.
Russell Modlin's archive of previous article can be found at
www.pressserviceinternational.org/russell-modlin.html