Mindset

       I will be the first to admit that the past several months have been rough. Our house was on the market. I accepted a teaching position two and a half hours from home, and took up residence in our daughter and son-in-law's basement. (They hadn't even been married a year, yet.). Learning a new school system and curriculum as I taught (I was hired the day before school started!) Meeting new colleagues. Wrecking my car the day I moved in to our temporary living situation (Not my fault. Some jerk-face ran a stop sign.). To say the last six months have been stressful would be an understatement!!

     Through it all, prayers have been answered, on God's time.  The house in Hutch sold. We found a duplex that will work, temporarily, at least through the end of the school year, so I am no longer living in our daughter and son-in-law's basement. Insurance totaled my beloved Jeep Wrangler, but we were able to replace it with another vehicle. I am finding my way through all of the ins and outs of a new school system, district, building.

     As I've had time to reflect during Christmas Break, I have come to this conclusion: It's all about your mindset.  Sometimes God doesn't answer prayers in the way that you think He should, but that doesn't mean your prayers aren't answered.  I am blessed to work with some truly amazing and compassionate educators!  We team-plan our lessons for each week. I believe that we're all on the same page about the needs of our students and their families.

     I let all the stressors get in the way of what truly matters, professionally. That is, and will always be, the kids. They are why I do what I do each an every day.  I will admit that I got bogged down in the district's expectations, and while trying to meet their demands, I lost sight of the kids. But no more!  Even if it's not on the lesson plan, I will do what's best for my students and their families. If that means a short detour for the day, then so be it! If it weren't for these sweet, innocent children, none of would have a job! I let that get lost.

     There are a couple of sayings that floats through the education world: "Every child was put in your classroom for a reason."  and "Close the door and do what it best for your kids."  Moving forward, that's going to be what I do and back to how I teach. Bring on 2022!