Ministry as a Music Teacher BY RACHEL GUZMAN
“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations” (PSALM 89:1)
My name is Rachel Guzman and I am an elementary music teacher in southern Iowa. I was raised in the Prairie City Church of the Brethren congregation. My father, Timothy Peter, serves as their pastor. Growing up, I found so much joy in singing with others. Whether it was at church, school, VBS, or church camp, rejoicing with music is what filled my soul. It is only fitting that I get to live out Psalm 89:1 every day of my life through teaching young children music. I teach over 500 students, kindergarten through 3rd grade, which means I get a lot of hugs during the day! I am so grateful I get to serve God through teaching and be surrounded by so many precious gifts from the Lord! Now, don’t get me wrong, life is not all butterflies and rainbows as an elementary music teacher. Oftentimes, children will test my patience. Sometimes, teaching breaks my heart when I can’t help a child living through trauma. There’s a lot of stress and brokenness in the world of education. However, I take comfort in knowing God has placed me where I am meant to be and is using my gifts to help those in need. One thing that has helped me focus on serving God daily are the fruits of the spirit. In the morning when I get to school, I journal and choose one fruit of the spirit to focus on throughout the day; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When things start to go astray during the day, I’ll lean on God for strength and remember my focus for the day. My hope is that at the end of the day, I have shown my students God’s grace and love through the joy of music.
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