Funnel or Container?

Last week, we talked about WIN groups. What I Need. Teachers are so good at this. You look at your students. You gather the data. You notice the gaps. You figure out what they need and then you create a plan to help them grow.

But here’s the question I want you to turn toward yourself this week:

What do YOU need?

Not your students. Not your classroom. Not your team. You!

How are you really doing these days? Not the “I’m fine” answer. Not the answer you give when someone asks in the hallway and you are already three minutes late. Really. How are you doing in your mind, body, soul, and spirit?

As you think about your own WIN plan, I want you to consider something else: 

What needs to stay? What is bringing you life right now? What is helping you breathe a little deeper? What is reminding you who you are? What relationships, rhythms, practices, boundaries, or moments with God are strengthening your roots? Keep those.

And then ask: What needs to go? What are you carrying that was never meant to be yours? What are you trying to control that was never yours to control? What expectations have you piled onto your already-full plate? What thoughts, habits, commitments, or responsibilities are taking more from you than they are giving? Sometimes becoming stronger doesn't mean adding something new. Sometimes it means taking something out.

And that brings me to a picture I've been thinking about lately. Are you a funnel or a container?

A container holds everything. It takes something in…and keeps it. And then something else comes along, and it goes in too. And another thing. And another. Pretty soon, it's packed. Full. Heavy. And you're holding on tight because you don't know what you might need later. Does that sound a little like teaching?

Emails.

Student needs.

Parent concerns.

Meetings.

Deadlines.

Data.

Behavior.

Planning.

Other people's expectations.

The things you said yes to.

The things you never said yes to but somehow became yours anyway.

Are you holding it all?

Or are you learning to become a funnel?

A funnel allows things to flow through. What comes in doesn't necessarily have to stay. Some things come into you that don't bring life. You don't have to store them. You don't have to carry them home. You don't have to make them part of your identity. Let them flow through. And then there are the beautiful things God pours into you.

Peace. 

Joy.

Grace.

Wisdom.

Patience.

Love.

Abundance.

Hope.

He doesn't pour into you so that you can tightly hold onto everything He gives. He pours into you so that His goodness can flow through you and onto the people around you. You become a route for His love. A channel for His light. A vessel through which His grace can reach a student who desperately needs it. A colleague who is struggling. A family who needs encouragement. A classroom that needs peace.

And here is the beautiful part: As you allow yourself to pour out, you are not emptied.

You are refreshed. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” ~ Proverbs 11:25

So, teacher… Take a moment this week.

Pause.

Check in with yourself. How are you really doing?

Are you a container? Are you holding everything? Packing it all in? Carrying things that were never meant for you?

Or are you becoming a funnel? Receiving what God is pouring into you… letting go of what doesn't bring life… and allowing His love, joy, peace, and grace to flow freely through you?

Maybe your WIN plan isn't about adding one more thing. Maybe it's about making room. Room to receive. Room to release. Room to breathe. Room for God to fill you again.

What do you need to take out so you can become stronger?

And then…

What is God pouring into you that He wants to pour through you?

Let it flow, teacher. You were never meant to hold it all. You were created to receive from the Gardener—and let His life flow through you.

Have the BEST week!

Maria