Is the grass greener on the other side?

The grass is always greener on the other side.

I don't remember the first time I heard the expression but I have used it a few times when students are wishing for an easier teacher, an easier school, or an easier life. I am about to find out if the grass is indeed greener on the other side.
For six years I have prepared for six different classes each day. I have often envied my public school teacher friends who only had to prep for one class and teach it all day long. For six years I have been the lone language arts/reading teacher in the building. I have often wondered what it would be like to teach with others who are in my area; to collaborate on best practices. For six years I have lived in one place while wishing I lived in another.
Now, as of August 22, 2010, I will get all the things I have been thinking about. But I can't help but stop and wonder. Is the grass greener on the other side or is it just different grass?
I am sure the root of this expression is in our human desire for something better or different than we currently have. I know mine has been. But once I stopped wanting something better for myself and focused on what God wanted for me; where God wanted me to be; and why God kept me where He did, the grass did not matter anymore. All that matter was that I walk on the path paved by a God who knows the end.

Not Really 32

Today I am 32 years old. I don't really get worked up about age because it is just a number that doesn't really reflect how old I really am. How old am I really? It depends on the day. Lately I am certain that I am 14. Since I have that silly nervous feeling about making new friends. You know, the kind you get before you start a new school or move to a new town.
I remember being 14 and sitting in the car with my sister. We were driving to the first day of high school when I announced that she should turn the car around. "I'm not going." I believe were the exact words I used. I am sure tears were involved too, they always were in my "dramatic decade". Of course I went and it ended up being okay but I can still look back at those days and see that I wasn't really making friends but trying to keep "in".
I am hoping that 18 years of life has made me a more genuine person. One who is sensitive to the feelings of others and one that doesn't feel the need to "fit in"anymore. I am hoping that in 18 years I have become comfortable with being the me God delights in.
I hope so....

Through Elijah's Eyes

I let Elijah have use of the camera. I think I like the world through his eyes.

Learning to Swim

The boys are in swimming lessons, the lovely kind where the parents have to get into the water too. It was long overdue for my cautious Elijah. His trepidation when it comes to trying new things made jumping into a pool enough to make him cry. But, knowing, the strong arms of Daddy would be his guide made it a bit easier. We finished our seventh lesson today and I watch my danger-avoiding first born jumping nearly across the pool to reach his father's arm, go under water, and come up giggling like the cutie he is. It made me smile; it made my heart smile.
I feel a little bit like Elijah. We are jumping into a great big pool of unknowns. People keep asking us what our plans are. When are we moving? Will our house sell in this market? What kind of a house are we going to get? Where will the boys go for daycare?
I don't know. I don't know the answers to any of those questions. I do know that I am believing God opened this door and that He will work out the details. I do know that God exhorts me to bring my anxiousness to Him. And I pray that like Elijah I will trust my Father.

"Parting is such sweet sorrow"

Dear Gethsemane friends,

Juliet nailed it when she said parting is such sweet sorrow. The term itself is an oxymoron because you cannot really have sweet sorrow. However, I do think that some partings are both sweet and joyful while at the same time bringing a heavy heart.
That is where I find myself. I will not be returning to teach at Gethsemane and that makes me sad because I love all of you so much. You have no idea how much you have blessed me, bended my way of thinking, made me laugh, created memories I will never forget, and pushed me to be a better teacher. I will miss each one of you so much.
My joy comes in knowing I am going where God has called me to go. The Anderson's are moving back to South Dakota. I will be teaching 8th grade Literature in a small town south of Sioux Falls called Harrisburg. This puts me in the same town as my sister and nephews and within ten minutes of everyone one else in my family. God has placed this call on my heart as my dear grandmother has gotten older and needs more care and as I experience how family can love each other.
I will continue to pray for each of you, that God's word is imbedded in your heart, that He makes your path straight, and that you will seek His wisdom always. I know God has plans for Gethsemane and I will always hold Geth in my heart. Please pray for me as I learn about a new school, learn about my new students, and as we try to sell the house.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 8-9

With Joy,

Mrs. Anderson :-)