“Work and get everything done during six days each week, but the seventh day is a day of rest to honor the LORD…”

-Exodus 20:9–10 NCV

Christmas is a Time To Spend With Family and Friends

I hope that you are able to relax and enjoy the upcoming break, teachers. You have earned it! Now more than ever, it is important to spend quality time with family and enjoy your weekends. This time of year gets really busy with events, report cards, grading, and somehow managing to fit teaching in as well! The semester can fill up quickly with other obligations, so enjoy the time you have with your family. Your family and friends are your support system, so it is important to spend some quality time with them. During this time together, make sure you tell them how much you appreciate them and their support during your first year(s) of teaching.

Do Something fun

Throughout the semester, we have made countless sacrifices of our time, energy, and talents for others. Think of a couple of things that you would love to do or get done while on break. These hobbies or other adventures will help to fill up your “emotional bank” that often sees more withdraws in a semester than deposits. If you want to relax and watch Netflix all day, you have certainly earned that right! Whatever you choose to do over this Christmas break, I hope you find yourself having fun, laughing, and relaxing with the ones you care about.

What’s Next for You in the New Year?

As the calendar year winds down and the new year begins, think about what went well for you this year, and what you want to achieve next year. Soon, we will look more in-depth at setting goals for the new year. I like to try and set goals for different areas of my life. I started doing that at the beginning of last year, and I found that I became more well-rounded in different areas of my life. Some goal areas that I like to focus on are being a better Husband/father, social (friendships, etc.), career, financial, spiritual, health & wellness. Although I did not reach all of my goals this year, I made a lot of progress because I wrote them down and was more intentional. Between now and next week, think about these areas of your life, and any other goals you might like to set for yourself for next year.

Take Time for Self-Reflection

Over Christmas break, take some time to recharge and get back to the real meaning of Christmas. It is easy to get carried away with all of the “to-do” items before school gets out for the break. Now that it is almost here, carve out some time this break in quiet reflection on what this holiday season really means. He made the ultimate sacrifice out of love beginning on that Christmas Day. Remember His love and grace in your life. Pass it on to those you encounter each day.

Time to Reflect, Relax, and Recharge

No matter how you will be spending this Christmas break, I hope you find time to relax, slow down, and enjoy quality time with friends and family. Thank you for all that you do to serve students and families in your community. Have a Merry Christmas!

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Teaching For God’s Glory-Daily Wisdom and Inspiration For New Teachers

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