Why Organization Matters

I almost went into anaphylactic shock standing over my school desk today.

Is there an Epi-Pen or a defibrillator or something for a new teacher who has so many papers stacked on her desk she can’t breathe?

Someone call 9-1-1!

Papers to grade. Papers to hand out. Papers that have been graded and need to be returned. Lesson plans. Faculty handbook to read.

There I was, back turned to students, faced away from them and head down, trying to find something, to find anything. Them with questions and handing me more papers, and where will I put those?

New teacher syndrome.

So I went straight to Staples this evening, in search of organization, because I can’t have another day like today.

I can’t stand with all my attention on a mess when there are people all around me, these young people I care about.

Disorganization siphons energy.

Paul tells us:

“God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV)

Paul links the orderliness of God with peace among people.

The more orderly our lives, the more attention and energy we can give to humans instead of piles.

I dropped $10.79 at Staples for a file rack, because I want my students to see my face and not my back.

Where could you invest some thought to order your life?

For the people.