Good morning, friends! I’m so grateful to be with you today. It’s another beautiful day that the Lord has made, and I want to live it well. As you know, my day always starts with prayer, bible study, and a good breakfast. That’s my daily prep for whatever comes my way. In addition to that, I need to make sure that I’m properly suited for the elements, the environment, and the climate of my work place. On any given day, I enter the building with multiple layers of protection — a coat, boots, scarf, and my beloved trapper hat. My friends at work giggle whenever I put that hat on, claiming that it’s never cold enough for it. My response? Brain freeze is unacceptable when there’s a perfectly good trapper hat just waiting to be worn, and I totally rock that thing.
Protection from the elements is a no-brainer, but I also don a layer of protection for the environment that I work in. I can’t always rely on what’s hanging on my coat rack. Sometimes, I need to choose from a different arsenal. In those cases, the most accessible layer of protection is frequent, fervent prayers as I walk the halls, before I have a tough conversation, or after I’ve uttered a harsh word. I can’t possibly predict what my day might entail, so I always add two more accessories to my ensemble — love and kindness. I try not to leave home without them. I may forget my earrings on occasion, but I can’t forget about love and kindness. Working in a middle school is unpredictable, and you never know what you’ll need. So along with all the layers of protection, look for two specific tools in your toolbox: patience and a sense of humor. If you forget everything else, these two will serve you well at work and in life.
You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ~ James 4:14 (ISV)
This verse has been with me for a few days as I prayed for the family of Jacob. Do you remember him from my series Change Is Inevitable? If you’ve been with me since last year, you’ll remember Jacob as the man in the snow. Well, he succumbed to his demons just a few short weeks ago at the age of 28. My hope is that he knew the Lord. This is why I continually urge you to seek the Lord while he may be found. Life is short, so choose to live it well.
Before you leave, turn up the volume and enjoy my Music Monday selection by Switchfoot. May blessings abound! <3
Note – Featured image courtesy of Google Royalty-Free Images & Bible verse courtesy of biblehub.com
Love and kindness are beautiful pieces of clothing. You wear them well.
You are such a dear, Anne. Thanks for the kind words. <3
Once again, thank you for your insight!
You’re quite welcome. 😀
I like that! Tools. Sense of humor especially even though the clown is taking it to new heights. I am optimistic that everything will work out. Happy Monday!
I’m praying that God uses him in a powerful way so that we all know who’s really on the throne.
So sorry to hear about Jacob. I pray he knew the Lord as well and that his family knows Him or will come to know Him.
That extra layer of protection is so very important as is our armor. Patience and a sense of humor can go a long way too, whew!
I was shocked to hear the news, but I wasn’t surprised. I believe that part of his purpose may have been to bring joy to his mother, and I can say without reservation that she loved with with all her heart. I pray that she and her husband know Jehovah Jireh — the provider of all that we need. <3
Very encouraging! I think I hear this song every day on my radio station will I run errands.
Whenever I hear it, it’s just a great reminder to live on purpose — God’s purpose for my life. Thanks for reading, Stacie. <3
Very nice! Oh and our day starts exactly the same! 😁
I figured our routines were similar.
I’m so sorry to hear Jacob lost his battle. This post was a great reminder to begin the day with God in our minds and hearts.
Amen, Tanya. <3
Without him, we can do nothing. That’s why we must cling to him with all our might.
We all need extra help and protection everyday! I never venture out without praying first. Great article!
Thanks, Kirstin! You’re right. We should never leave home without adequate protection.
Oh no, I am sorry to hear about Jacob. It’s unfortunate that he succumbed to his demons at such a young age. Thank you for another inspiring post.
Beautiful Post!! And I couldn’t agree more about us protecting ourselves more now than ever! Especially with the WORD!!! Lord we NEED you NOW!!!
Thanks, Carissa. We really need to get back to basics — getting to know God on a personal level and trusting in him completely.
Change is inevitable. God bless you for your insight!
Thanks, LaQuisha. <3 God bless you as well.
Great post, thanks for spreading the Word! Sorry to hear about Jacob, I pray he knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior as well.
Thanks for reading. I will continue to shine my light until it is extinguished. Jacob was a troubled young man, and now he can finally rest. Have a great weekend!
This post was a breathe of fresh air. I am trying to take in more positive vibes.
Thanks for the kind words. <3
I don’t know how I ever missed that you work in a middle school but I do as well so when you said, “but I also don a layer of protection for the environment that I work in”, I had to write that down! lol This can be a strenuous time of the year and I’m getting ready to begin the job searching process so I stand with you in prayer. Have a marvelous day.
Yep, I love working in a middle school, but you know there are challenges everywhere. You must stay prayed up, Courtney. Best wishes on the job search. I’ll keep you lifted in prayer, sis. <3
If you don’t have good armor, it’s always possible to arm yourself with better protection. This is a great message for a tumultuous time we’re living in.
Amen!
I am sorry about Jacob and I pray for more love, kindness and protection over you.
Thanks for the beautiful prayer, Adeola! <3
great song and a great message. I may be going back and reading more about Jacob. Thank you, Michelle, and keep the prayers and faith coming and spreading.
God Bless.
Tiffany
Hey Jenness, “meeting” Jacob that day was life-changing for me. It’s almost as if I was the only one who could see him. This is a testament to how God will use us. We all play a small part in the lives of others. I just allow God to use me, and I stay out of his way. <3
Thanks for the insights. One of the things I need to focus on the most is strengthening my spiritual connection. And I think the perfect way t do that is starting my day with prayer.
Excellent blog post. I’m glad I’ve just found you. Following you for more. A sense of humour can reflect away many attacks. Your song choice by Switchfoot is brilliant. Stephen
Thanks for taking the time to read and to comment, Stephen.