For the first time in a couple of years, I’m not preparing to start a new school year. No bulletin boards to plan, no meetings to attend, no thoughts on what I’ll be doing the first days of class. Another transition time for me, going back to subbing instead of teaching every day. It is a part, perhaps a detour, in this journey of my life.
I sometimes wonder if I made the right decision nine years ago when I decided to retire. I was fifty-one years old at the time and after much contemplation, felt it was the thing to do. I’ve had the opportunity since that point to fill eleven interim positions, ranging in duration of several weeks to three-fourths of the school year. And I’m thankful for each one of those opportunities I’ve had.
Of one thing I am sure – in each situation I’ve found myself in during my post-retirement years, I’ve been exactly where I was supposed to be to fill in for whatever the length of time was to be. I know subbing from day-to-day will be different, but once again, feel that’s a part of my journey as well.
And God only knows what the coming school year will hold. I hold my faith in Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
David Lee 