Return of the Moses Mentality

Many, many moons ago I wrote about the Moses Mentality. I tried to find that post again, but well, there are a lot on here, so I'll summarize instead. Firstly, the phrase is a result of a long conversation with a friend when we were both nearing the end of our college days. Now back in the Old Testament when God told Moses to step up and lead the Isrealites out of Egypt, Moses started coming up with all these excuses. 

"But God," Moses whined, "I'm not such a great speaker." 

"Well, here's your brother Aaron. He'll help you out," God said. And Aaron was by Moses' side and helped him out. 

"But God," Moses whined again, "what if those Egyptians don't believe that you sent me?" 

"Well, see your staff there? Just toss that on the ground. That'll show them," God said. And when Moses threw that staff on the ground, it turned into a snake and the Egyptians were taken aback. 

"But God," Moses whined, "what if the Pharaoh doesn't listen?" 

"Well, here's a plague. And if that doesn't work, here are 9 more. Listen, Moses, what other excuses do you have? I could do this all day." 

I've walked into this school year equipped with a whole school year of lessons, both taught and learned, and I've experienced some moments where I go, "Oh, that was  so much easier this time!" -- and those feel good. I still am constantly looking back on things and wishing I had done something differently, but that is something that will never end as long as I am a teacher. I feel a lot more confident this year. I've got a better balance going on between school and life outside of school. I've got more tricks up my sleeves to use with my kiddos. I know the value of praying constantly. Things are going more smoothly right now than they were at this point last year. And the challenges that are there? Well, they don't keep me awake at night as much. 

And yet...there are still moments where I just don't know why I ever thought this was what I should be doing with my life. I can count the number of times I've seriously considered calling it quits on one finger, fortunately, but sometimes we all find ourselves whining to God despite knowing we are exactly where He wants us to be. 

"But God," I whined, "what if the kids won't ever listen to me?" 

"Here," God said, "have some extra patience to get you through the first week." And that patience helped until we all adjusted more to each other. 

"But God," I whined, "what if the kids think I'm too mean or too hard on them?" 

"Here," God said, "listen to this child tell you how much he loves it here." And I was reminded that children are loving and forgiving. 

"But God," I whined, "what if it the whole year is full of days as awful as that one?" 

"Here," God said, "have a day filled with reminders that you're not alone. Oh, and here's some encouraging words to counteract those doubts you've let take over your mind. And here's smiles and laughter to share with your students. And here's enough time in the day to get all of your plans done. Listen, Michelle, what other excuses do you have? I could do this all day."