Protecting what’s Most important

If you’ve been in the world of education for any length of time you know your work can consume every inch of your day and steal what’s most important if you let it.

When I began teaching middle school I was amazed at how the stacks of papers to correct never seemed to end, and neither did my in-box. Ideas flooded my mind even as I drove away from work each night — in the dark… And it wasn’t until my principal hinted that I needed to “get out” and go for a run that I realized it was okay to let it all go… because taking care of my heart was paramount to my calling as an educator on mission.

While many of us are aiming to finish this semester strong before taking off for Christmas break, recount what boundaries you may need to dust off to ensure you’re able to enjoy the memory making moments with those hold dear this season.

Healthy Educator Cheatsheet

• Daily Tune into God’s Voice throughout the day beginning with the Word
• Put Your Family Relationships & Close Friendships Ahead of Work
• Say, “No” More Often
  Allow others to help you
• Put Relationship with Students Ahead of Mandates… whenever possible!
• Leave Schoolwork at School… as much as possible
• Limit Working Hours to 1-2 hours beyond the school dayGuard your sleep, health, & exercise
• Take a Sabbath RestMaster the Micro-list
• Invest in Your Own Soul’s Needs (you can’t put it under the carpet forever)
• Adopt the “Better done than perfect!” motto
• Release the Heavies to Jesus as you Leave the Parking Lot
• Any others you’d add??

Am I utilizing healthy boundaries?

This month on our podcast, we’re launching a new series where we’re tackling educators’ biggest questions around keeping healthy boundaries.

Each week, I’ll sit down with a different guest as we talk through the unique struggles, and decisions that define the boundaries that keep us healthy as Kingdom Educators. You’ll get to listen in as we share personal stories and honest truth – AND walk away with some good practicals for setting and living out healthy boundaries that keep us and our loved ones well.

This week, we kicked off this new series with Jill Miller, who shares the unique challenges teachers face in keeping God first as we work in our classrooms and the pressure we put on ourselves to have it all figured out.

Click Below to Listen to Episode #85: Why Set Boundaries?