Yesterday, I traveled to the Rock to see my family and as I was having lunch with the Hodges women (mom, sis, grandma and myself...we all have the same last name), my mom mentions, "You haven't blogged recently" so this is for you, Mom.
Truth is, I haven't blogged lately, but as it turns out, I become a pretty boring person when not consumed by work and school. I don't feel like I have that much to update the world about..but here are a few fun updates that I'd like to share.
So what does my life look like without work and school? I have been on many shopping excursions and lunch dates with friends. I have read a lot of wonderful books and seen many movies. Jack and I have got to spend a great deal of time training..and napping. I got to see my family more than I have seen them in the past 5 years. My house is immaculately clean and organized. I have experimented with cooking and baking. Several new pairs of shoes have made their way into my closet. Lots of swimming, running, Zumba, pilates and yoga have taken place. I made a scrapbook. I went to a Astros/Rangers baseball game and New York City. I took three teacher certification tests. I completed my IRB (International Research Board) training and Gifted/Talented training. I've planned out my research study and completed the necessary back up research for it (hopefully to be implemented in fall or spring). All in all, I have been productive and can't complain; although, I've yet again proven to myself that I can't be one of those people who isn't insanely busy and overloaded. I work well when my plate is too full.
Most importantly, I feel that I've grown as a person this summer in ways I am greatly thankful for and I am excited to share my improved self with my students and classmates.
Last weekend in church, the sermon was about obedience versus sin. Now, throw my name and "obedience" into the same sentence and that is an equation for defiance. By definition, I like to break the rules just to do it and I like to push the envelope...especially toward authority, routine and structure. I like change, for the most part. I like to question everything. As a Christian, it has always been challenging for me to find the will power and motivation to be obedient just because I don't like to do what I'm told for the sole purpose of it being right. I need reasons. Thankfully, I'm blessed to attend the church I do and found solace in the answer I received about why obedience is necessary. Bottom line, obedience leads to God being happy which makes me happy which makes people around me happy. Sin leads to God being unhappy which makes me unhappy which makes people around me unhappy. That makes sense. So, I decided to apply what I learned in church. I prayed to God for help and for one of the first times in my life, tried to be obedient to what I know is right and steer away from sin. Somehow, God always manages to reward me quickly when I do what I'm supposed to. Monday morning, I got God's reward in a few ways. First of all, I found out I passed my GT test which I had been certain I had done poorly on (although I would never admit that until now). The second thing far outweighs passing a test. I got a random email from an old co-worker. I was completely surprised to get this email as I felt that I had not formed a very close bond with this person. We had talked on several occasions and I had tried to be helpful and somewhat positive through the struggles of both of us. This email was simply to fill me in on his life and thank me for all I had done. He mentioned that he would take what I had taught him about being a teacher and apply it to his own classroom. Wow. I was utterly speechless and completely grateful for the kind words. I'm a perfectionist and I almost never feel satisfied with my own abilities or skills, therefore, I rarely feel like I do a good job in anything, which is pretty ridiculous (I'll admit). In two simple ways, God showed me that I am doing exactly what He created me to do and that I am glorifying Him through my actions.
Now, God doesn't just stop there. In this same week, He introduced me to a new friend while strengthening the bonds I have with old friends, brought an old friend back into my life and gave me the opportunity to spend time with girlfriends I have missed since undergrad. Wow, God is good.
I know this posting is a bit everywhere, but that's how my thoughts are today as I reflect on what has been a fantastic summer. I am so relaxed, refreshed, recharged and re-energized and can't wait to begin a new school year as a 2nd-year teacher and PhD student. I just hope that I can continue to be obedient so that I can glorify God in everything I do.
-Tracey
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