A Good Reminder...

**warning** a little sappiness coming up :)

We had our "Meet and Greet" night at school on Wednesday. This is a night for all of the students and families to come and meet their teacher, bring their school supplies, and check out the school. It's always a busy night with a whirlwind of activity for 90 minutes straight.

On this Meet and Greet night though I had a good reminder in the midst of the craziness. Several of my students and families from last year came back to my room to say hi and give me a hug. This has happened before, but for some reason it meant a bit more this time. Maybe it's because my class was so challenging, or maybe it's because I'm hoping I can still have an impact on my class this year even though I'll miss 1/3 of it on maternity leave, maybe a little of both.... For whatever reason, seeing them reminded me that this job is a special one. For all of it's difficulties, those moments of reward help you make it through. To have those kids rushing in to give me a hug, to have those families stop by and say "thank you" (a rare thing sometimes), was just the thing I needed to get me ready for the year ahead.

As I continued to meet most of the students in my class for the coming year, I noticed (as teachers do every year) the range of needs that will be gracing my door everyday. Some told me they didn't have money to buy school supplies, while some had parents with matching Cadillacs. Some have already exceeded standards several grade levels above mine, and some are still trying to master their letters and sounds. Some come from loving homes with lots of family around for support, and some come from home situations that are far less than ideal for a little kiddo. Some were very excited and social, others were withdrawn and nervous.

What I do know is that for 5 days a week, 40 weeks of the year, all of these kids need me to love them, to make them feel safe, to help them learn, and to teach them how to be a better person. I know I won't succeed at those things every day, but that image of my former students and families running in to see me gave me a boost of courage to take on another year. Our school's theme for the year is "It's Possible", and I'm sure it's no coincidence that one of my favorite verses popped into mind.... "Now to Him who is ABLE to do IMMEASURABLY MORE than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus..." Eph. 3:20 It's going to be a GREAT year! :)