Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
I realize it’s been several weeks since I’ve written. The last few weeks leading up to Thanksgiving Break in a school are pretty hectic. I’ve been giving tests and grading essays and I’ve been quite tired from all the excitement. But, anyway–I’m here. I’m writing this from my parents’ house, snug in my old bed, with Casting Crowns Christmas music playing on YouTube.
Looking back over the past year, and even over the past few months, I realize that I have a lot to be thankful for. Let’s start with my job. A few weeks ago, we were put under a tornado watch. I was told at lunch that the students were going to be picked up at 1:30 because of the inclement weather, and I was pleased. (Teachers like early release, too!) Unfortunately, a tornado was spotted not too far away from us, and we had to take shelter. At least two of the students started crying–one of them because he had a two-year-old sister who was being watched by some family friends, and he was worried about her.
I’m thankful, not only that we survived and nothing was damaged, but also because of the faith displayed by the students. At lunch, our lovely lunch lady (the mother of one of the church’s main pastors) invited the children to pray against the severe weather. And several of them did! They prayed with a faith and an authority that actually startled me. I was so proud of each and every student who stood in faith. I’m thankful for them, as well as for the lunch lady who gave them the opportunity to exercise their praying muscles.
I’m also thankful for our PTO–Parent-Teacher Organization, that is. A couple months ago, I was surprised to see two small cards thanking me for all my work with the kids. Last week, I was given a very large pumpkin pie with a personalized note of encouragement! This is in addition to all the help the PTO gives us during field trips and the free snacks that are always available.
Last but not least, I’m thankful for my family and the support they’ve given me in the past few months. My parents know that I need hugs on a regular basis, or I start losing my humanity. My parents make a point out of coming to visit me. If they have an appointment in town, they’ll come 30 minutes early so we can get coffee. If they need to pick up my sister for some reason, they’ll drop by my classroom for a hug. Besides that, they’ve kept my sister from taking over my bedroom so that I can come over on weekends! This is insanely helpful, especially since I volunteer at church in their town twice a month.
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments below! God bless you, dear readers, and enjoy time with your families today!