Lesson learned: Make an effort to notice

There are so many things that I do behind the scenes as a teacher so that things run smoothly ... most of which my students are completely unaware of. I set things up beforehand so that it's ready. I pre cut the circles. I divide up the math shapes so that everyone has the same amount. I think of the good examples to share because I know they will be on the test. I pair them up with a partner who can read or who they can help. I color code the baggies so they know which bag goes with which paper. I arrange their desks so that they are not next to someone who will distract them from listening or learning. Pretty much everything I do is intentional and is going to benefit my students in some way, now or in the future.

Heavenly Father is doing similar things for us in our lives so that we can do what we need to do and learn what we need to learn. We are born into a certain family on purpose. We are given specific strengths and weaknesses. Certain people come into our lives through work, relationships, friendships, roommates, church, etc. Some of them are there to help us and some are there for us to help them. He knows what tests will come to us in the future so He gives us trials now so that we can succeed later. 

My first graders benefit from my efforts and preparation but rarely, if ever, do they acknowledge it or thank me. They just don't notice it. It hasn't occurred to them that life doesn't just magically go swimmingly all of the time. 

Are we like my first graders in our ability to notice what Heavenly Father is doing for us? Do we appreciate His help and His efforts to make our lives go the way they are supposed to go? Do we notice His hand in our lives? Do we thank Him for preparing us for the future? Do we thank Him for the tender mercies that so easily go unnoticed? Do we keep in mind that He may be helping us, just as we asked Him to, but He is helping us in a different way than expected? Do we trust that everything has a reason and a purpose? Do we give Him credit for the good things that "just happen" to come our way?

What I'm trying to say is that I know God is an intentional God and He has a plan. I just need to work on remembering that and thanking Him.