Arizona always gifts spectacular sunsets, but she saves her best for August as a birthday gift to me--snapshots of twilight moments attending first concerts and season-opening football games and driving carpool and relaxing at the cabin and a special cotton candy sky on my special day of the year.
Life cycles, and each time it changes, I learn the same lessons through different eyes. Take time for the little things. Watch the rain, hold a child's hand, listen to a friend, pray for someone you love.
August 2016--the moment in my adult life when I joined the workforce. Wow. School kicks my butt every day in ways I never imagined, yet it brings me so much joy. When I toss my leather satchel into my boiling car at the end of 7 1/2 straight hours of teenagers and colonial America and the exhaustion suddenly creeps from where it's been lurking, I catch myself smiling. That's when I think, "They pay me to do this. I can't believe they pay me for this."
This last week was especially difficult as I learned how hard it is to grade 128 essay tests in 29 hours, plus find time to sleep, shower, mother, and eat--one of the hardest things I've done in a long time. With 18 essays to go, I wanted to give up. My hand ached and my neck ached and my back ached and my butt ached, but I soldiered on.
I think I can do this.
I think I will do this.
I think I'm pretty good at this.
While August was far from perfect, I loved August. This new chapter in my life brings new yet familiar challenges--finding balance, learning patience, tackling new experiences. And they haven't fired me yet, so I'll be at it again for September.
Wow. I can't believe my life.
Life cycles, and each time it changes, I learn the same lessons through different eyes. Take time for the little things. Watch the rain, hold a child's hand, listen to a friend, pray for someone you love.
This last week was especially difficult as I learned how hard it is to grade 128 essay tests in 29 hours, plus find time to sleep, shower, mother, and eat--one of the hardest things I've done in a long time. With 18 essays to go, I wanted to give up. My hand ached and my neck ached and my back ached and my butt ached, but I soldiered on.
I think I can do this.
I think I will do this.
I think I'm pretty good at this.
Wow. I can't believe my life.
I'm so glad things are going well for you...I've been wondering how you're doing! Those students are so fortunate to have you!
ReplyDeleteMy sister says teaching wears her out and gives her energy at the same time. An interesting dichotomy, isn't it? A great recipe for career happiness, she thinks.
ReplyDelete