Today, I’m experiencing happiness. Such happiness that I get tears in my eyes. Such happiness that I can’t sleep (even though I’m exhausted.) Such happiness that I even cleaned the house thoroughly for two hours this evening, smiling the whole time (the husband liked this.) Today was officially my fourth first day of school teaching fifth grade. As I reflect on my experiences throughout the day, I know very clearly that I have the most rewarding job.
While driving to work today, tears welled in my eyes throughout the drive. I witnessed God readying my heart for the school year through the symbolization of two deer. At the beginning of my drive I passed a dead mama deer in the middle of the road. After dodging to miss the deer carcass, I looked up and caught a glimpse of a fawn running frantically beside the road. I immediately got emotional and knew God used the deer to represent my students. It seemed as though we were having this conversation about me being a firm foundation for “my kids” who may be in the middle of major trials and tribulations. The Lord new exactly what he was doing this morning preparing my heart because one short hour later, a new student who happens to be living with a foster family walked into my classroom. Beauty and grace.
I pray that you experience happiness too, and here’s the key... stay optimistic. Even though I came home with throbbing feet, aching knees, and a scratchy voice, I can’t stop thinking of the many joys in this profession. Today, I cherished hearing those little voices sharing “this was the best first day of school.” The smiles, the hugs, and the impact are why I stick with this career that sometimes seems so rocky. As a parent dropped off their child this morning, they shared with me that they had heard great things about me and hope I lived up to their high standards. This challenges me to the uttermost. The school day is what the teacher makes of it, and challenge accepted, I strive to make each and every day an optimistic, worthwhile, nurturing journey to learn.
Today, I took another new journey, a journey to reach out to and be a positive impact in 21+ children's lives. Today, their parents took another new journey, by sending in their prize possessions, fearfully and wonderfully made, to another new face in hopes for a great year. Today, many kids took a new journey, experiencing another set of first day jitters. I'm very excited about furthering my relationships with "MY 21 kids" and I can't wait to be touched by each and every child.
On a sidenote, below is where happiness will be experienced this year, wishful thinking (my classroom.)
