Intentionally Prepared Teacher

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

If you are new here I want to introduce myself. My name is Crystal. I am a recovering people-pleaser, instructional coach, and avid seeker of God’s purpose. Welcome to my little space in the world. I started writing based on prompting to share my knowledge, heart for serving, and creative thinking. If I’m honest, I didn’t believe most of the things people were complimenting. I started to lean into the purpose of this little space; pursuing God, sharing the gifts He has given me, and helping others find theirs in the process, which leads me to the first post of 2024.

I know a part of my purpose has been to create a space for educators to share, support one another, and develop friendships that are more than surface level. I held onto the word Obedience all of 2023. I traveled valleys of healing, questioning, and how much to open up. I also climbed victorious mountains of vulnerability, friendships, and trust. I know my word for 2024 is OPEN.

The cover image depicts smooth roads, valleys, mountains, shadows, and clearings. This year I own my true identity, God’s daughter, and no matter the path I am on He is always with me, for me, and chose me for a time such as this. I know that my calling is the education field, similar to your heart’s desires, and I know that at the end of the day my hands, and heart, will need to stay open to what God is asking of me. Let’s review what I wrestled with that led me to this year’s word, OPEN. Who knows maybe you will find your word in the process.

Truths within OPEN	Lies with OPEN
Open yourself to community and relationships for support and friendship	If you open up you will be rejected or abandoned again
Open yourself to trust God’s timing for the best outcomes; He does know best	If you just push through and get it done sooner, do it yourself, or push for more answers it will be the best outcome
Open up communication to voice needs, “stories in your head”, fears, anxiety, ideas, and excitements to build a team and show others it is ok to be vulnerable	If you tell others what you need, feel or are too vulnerable you will be viewed as needy, self-centered, attention-seeking, etc (Honestly, this list could continue)
Open yourself up to not being perfect in something; we all start at “new/novice”	If you try to open up to a new skill, habit, or spend time on your physical/mental health you will fail yourself again
Open up to the unknown of what could happen if you give 100% control to God	God gave you the desires and thoughts, so He must want you to take full control; you know what you need

After wrestling with all the things OPEN could mean when I felt it was the word this year, I wanted to apply it to all areas of my life. I will continue to work through being open to relationships outside of school. I love the people I work with and would love nothing more than to learn more about the friends I have made there, outside of surface-level work. What word have you chosen or do you want for your 2024? Just like the last post, find someone to be vulnerable and accountable with; then share your word and what it means to you.

I’m praying for you and your students in 2024!

I’m opening myself this year to a better relationship with God, more community, more trust, and new habits.