Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Once again I haven't blogged in awhile. I'm one of those people who compose entries in her head for weeks. I do this usually while driving to and from work. I think I'll go home and jump right on the Chromebook, ready to put all my thoughts to the screen. But before I know it, life takes hold and I'm emailing parents, playing with Saul the Dog, and downing more cups of coffee than should be humanly possible after 4:00pm. My thoughts become compounded day after day, and the blog post seems to become more complex and intense.
So, here it finally is. The Thanksgiving Post that everyone and her sibling is putting out there. As I woke up this morning when my house was filled with over twenty teens who slept over for the high school band annual sleep over, my Facebook page lit up with people giving thanks to family, friends, and all that is good. Isn't it wonderful to see that instead of the usual political banter and sadness that we so often see?
As I cleaned up soda cans and made maple oatmeal pecan bake for my mom and friends for Thanksgiving morning, I would sneak peeks at these Facebook posts. I'll admit that I started to feel the peer pressure as to not posting my own. Instead I posted that I had survived the band party/sleepover with fifty-plus kids at startup. These were amazing kids! So many great conversations, and I felt so good that Kidlet A was able to add on yet another great experience for his senior year.
No, my thanks deserved a blog post. Why? Because there are just so many people, including YOU, who deserve to be thanked. I mentioned in my last post back in September that I keep a gratitude journal. There's a huge possibility that you're in it. The mailman is in it. The people at the deli. They guy at Starbucks who told me my modern art LuLaRoe leggins were just so freakin' cool.
I truly am thankful for all that I have. How do I know this? I was in a deep, dark place last spring. When you hit the abyss, I believe you appreciate when you see out in the light. Autumn colors this fall took on new hues I hadn't seen in years. I'm excited about the holidays. My extreme passion for education returned. And day by day I am encountering miracles - through people, places, and events. For those who read this or encounter me and think, "Fake!" and liked me better when I was feeble and weak, I think good thoughts for you. I wish you nothing but the best.
My blessings take on so many forms. I am lucky to work every day with such amazing people at Camp SB (yup - my nickname for our wonderful place)! I've been at a few schools, but never one where so many people are dedicated, willing to try new ideas, go out on a limb to make mistakes, and support others when they have crazy ideas like my own (such as incorporating a popular Netflix series into a Spanish I curriculum. Am I sane, PS?)
The kids. My students. I told my eighth graders on Tuesday that it's only November, and I've already started crying that I'm going to miss them next year. Already! I wish I could bottle up all their goodness, their kindness, and put it into a jar to keep on my desk after they leave. It's beyond them wanting to learn Spanish. They want to become good people. All my students - I can't wait to see them fly out into the world and do magnificent, good things. I don't care if they become CEO's, doctors' or our society's idea of monetary success. I tell them constantly that I want them to be happy. Happy. Just.Be.Happy. All Profe wants is for you to be happy. You're not happy? You're 35 years old? You come back and see me and I'll do the snort laugh for you and I'll get you happy.
My pen pals and Postcrossing friends. How can you explain to someone who has never had this experience? You become great friends with someone you've never met. A connection is established across the miles, across the sea with someone who likes the same books, bakes the same cookies, loves the same animals, and laughs at the same jokes. She's online when you have insomnia, and cheers you up when you've had a tough day. The Christian Science Monitor recently featured an article on Postcrossing, and I think this is as close to describing the experience as I can find online.
Kidlet A. Kidlet B. Saul the Dog. AviKitten. VictoriaCat who eats blueberry muffins. Pages and pages of blessings from them. No two other people on the planet get me better than my twin sons. On look, one expression, one text, and they get it. My world would be empty without them.
Yes. This was a bit more than the usual Facebook post of all that I am thankful for. Ever so thankful. Each and every day. Thanks to you for being there with me. Know that you are loved! :)
