Tonight, at least 21 happy families and children will come to Room 56 to begin our journey together through 1st Grade. There will be moping. Tears. Fear. Hesitation. Terror. And then, I’ll breathe deeply and know God brought all these children and me to Room 56 with his love, mercy, and divine wisdom. Knowing that, it makes tonight all the more exciting.
I have one more day to get the room in order. I still have teacher cabinets that need straightening, and a very messy desk that needs to be put in order. The children are covered and that’s all that matters. As Kindergartners, they already have a full year under their belts. I’m sure they’ll fill me in on important details.
At church, members have been telling me about the most wonderful Kindergarten teacher who works at my school. She’s been absent from church for awhile, but everyone assured me that she is one of the very best around.
Yesterday, as I worked on name tags and seating arrangements, the sweetest woman came to find me. Yes. Everyone at church had been correct. Lovely in every way, she welcomed me to the school with a hug. Such a connection between my spiritual world and my occupational world occurred. I’ve never experienced this before. It was a little surreal. I’ve been busy making friends, and now, connections are intersecting. I’m starting to know someone who knows someone else I know. That’s the beauty of small town living.
There are many of us at this school. On a certain morning for a few minutes at a certain time each week, we’ll quietly meet as teachers of faith. As she named off Christian co-workers, the names were from all grade levels. Schools have many sides to them. Tiny little details that never get coverage on the news. Very good people from all walks of life choose teaching because they want the best for children everywhere. What a blessing to have met such a wonderful teacher.
“Oh, you have Johnny Bell! I can tell you, he is one of the best students I had last year! You’ll love him! Sally Grenish!!!! Ahhhh, she’s a little shy at first, but hang on to your hat! She is handful! Mitch!!!! What a writer! You are going to have a great year, Joy.! Your kids are wonderful!”
Words I needed to hear from someone who loved them throughout their first year of school.
With that, I must close for today. I’m taking a short break and will be back on Saturday morning to fill you in on all the fun! Until then, I need to remember to breathe in and out, knowing that I’ve got this because I’m covered. God wouldn’t have placed me in this school at this time in my life without blessing me with the proper amount of courage, strength, fortitude, laughter, and wisdom. It’s my time to shine doing something I love. Yes. Teaching is my calling.
Whatever you do today, smile at kids getting ready for school. Know their parents are counting the seconds until they can catch a breath themselves. And so it begins.
More on Saturday.