Ode to Summer

I'm not a writer.  I'm really not.  But summer is here and I've got a little more time on my hands.  And I figure if I've created a blog, I may as well use it - so here goes...

It's amazing to me how abruptly the school year transitions into summer!  May is such a crazy month, filled with field trips, projects, report cards, grading, and parties.  Everything in May builds up to that last day of school.  And on that day, the kids leave you with hugs, gifts, thank-yous, and tears; and you stand there looking at an empty classroom, thinking of the memories that have been made with 22 children during the last 9 months.  Thinking of all the energy, time, and effort put into the year.  And all of a sudden...it's done.  The year is over, and you realize you will never have the same mix of children in your classroom again.  

What a blessing it is to be a teacher!  I wish I didn't take it for granted so often.  I wish I would recognize that God has placed 22 children with me for 7 hours each day (kind of terrifying to think about!) so that I can be used by Him for His glory.  I wish I would remember to rely on Him for strength, patience, and love as I interact with my students.  I am thankful for the grace He gives me each day, despite my many flaws.  What a merciful God we serve!

I do get a little nervous about the summer time.  What I don't want to do is squander my time.  This summer, my goal is to use the extra time I have to serve.  If you think about it, pray for me to find opportunities to do so...