“We are a quick-fix society, and perseverance is suffering.” – Jonathan Williams  “Grief is a process. Some days there are small grief moments, and some days are big grief moments.” – Jonathan Williams   Gratitude is a common theme this time of year in classrooms, families, and churches. While it is wonderful to have a dedicated month focusing on gratitude, it is something we need to focus on all year long, no matter the circumstances of life. Through life’s victories and trials, focusing on gratitude is important.  But how do we focus on gratitude in the midst of heartache and suffering?    Jenny sits down with Jonathan Williams, a fellow educator with an impacting testimony of God’s grace. In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, Jonathan courageously shares his journey through deep loss and how he has learned to choose gratitude even in the darkest seasons, even inside the classroom.    Key Topics Discussed: Learning perseverance through suffering as an educator How to model gratitude for students when facing personal trials Supporting students who are walking through loss and grief The difference between toxic positivity and biblical hope The importance of allowing people to “see you” in your suffering   Jonathan encourages us to persevere when walking through suffering, not just around it.  His testimony demonstrates that choosing hope and gratitude doesn’t mean denying the pain, but rather invites us into finding God’s presence even in the hardest moments. This episode is for teachers who are seeking wisdom facing their own suffering and provides powerful tools to help students, as well.   Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do!   About Our Guest Jonathan Williams has a deep passion for Christian education and believes that teaching is a calling. He is a proud alumnus of Valley Christian Academy in Southern California, where he not only accepted Jesus into his heart at the age of eight but also grew up. He considers his former fourth grade teacher, the current principal of the school, one of his mentors in life. Currently, he is a fourth grade teacher himself and the spiritual formation coordinator at the elementary campus, where he partners with the principal to coordinate engaging Christ-centered worship experiences. Jonathan is passionate about spiritual formation in education and in life. He holds a bachelor's degree in human development and psychology with a minor in Biblical studies, as well as a masters in teaching. Jonathan is a published author and enjoys writing most about characters who persevere despite perceivably insurmountable odds. He seeks to live out his life verse, Galatians 2:20. He currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with his wife.  Sponsored By  Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]