Seen & Appreciated.

I feel like this is another “Dear Diary” blog because of the vulnerability that comes with this one. Lately, I have been allowing the enemy to plant seeds of doubt. Thankfully, my Father is greater than any trick or sneak attack of the enemy and he quickly spoke to me to remind that I am more than those lies.

I felt full. I felt seen. I felt deeply loved.

Working at the high school can be exhausting. There are days I come home completely drained—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Working in my CBI room especially can leave me feeling touched out and poured out in every way.

But last week was different.

It was Teacher Appreciation Week, and while I expected the usual—maybe a few lunches provided by the community—I wasn’t expecting much beyond that. As support staff, you don’t always assume you’ll be recognized in the same way.

But God had other plans.

Throughout the week, He gently sprinkled moments of encouragement—little reminders that I am seen, that I matter, and that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. And those moments filled my heart in a way that almost brought me to tears.

One day, I received a handwritten card from a student who isn’t even in my classroom. On the front, it said, “Having a teacher like you is a gift from God.”

I can’t even fully explain what that did to my heart.

It reminded me that my purpose stretches beyond the walls of my classroom. I’m not just there for “my” students—I’m there for all of them.

Then, one of the students I coach gave me a gift: a brand-new Owala water bottle… because I had just broken mine. The thing is—he had no idea.

Just God.

Later, I received a snack box filled with gift cards, treats, and little things meant to care for me. It felt intentional. It felt thoughtful. It felt like love.

And then, on the last day of the week, a young girl walked through the building handing out bouquets of flowers. When she handed me one, I thanked her and asked where they were from.

She had bought them herself. Out of the goodness of her heart. With her own hard-earned money. She made sure staff members felt appreciated.

I don’t know about anyone else—but I felt seen.

For someone like me, who sometimes wrestles with doubt… who quietly questions whether I’m truly walking in God’s purpose… this week felt like a series of divine reminders.

Little “God winks” that whispered, You are right where you need to be.

“The Lord your God is with you… He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17

It’s wild how quietly the enemy can plant seeds of doubt—so subtle you almost don’t notice. But it’s even more powerful how God steps in and stops those seeds from taking root.

He replaces them with truth.

He reminds us who we are.

He shows us what we need, right when we need it.

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” — Jeremiah 31:25

That’s exactly what He did for me last week. He refreshed me.

He reminded me that I am seen, I am loved, and I am walking in purpose—even on the days when I don’t feel it.

I am so thankful for a Father who hears my cries and carries my burdens. A Father who knows exactly how to reach me and encourage me so I can keep going.

And I’m learning to hold onto those moments—to let them speak louder than the doubt.

Because they are truth.

God’s Love & Mine,

Carrie