Even When It's Hard

My first graders have a set of rules they follow. The general, "Treat others the way you want to be treated," etc. But also, one that I really like. It goes like this:

"Keep trying, even when it's hard."

That's so great for students to hear, because it is so easy for them to give up.

It's also easy for us to give up, even when it's hard. But when we focus on the blessings, the good things in our life, and the rewards we receive, it's so easy to keep trying, even when it's hard.

Everyone bombards me with the question: "How's teaching going?"- Don't get me wrong. I LOVE teaching, and I LOVE that so many people care about it. But after being on the go for 12+ hours, the last thing I really want to do is talk about teaching.

Because right now, reality and future are doing a number on me. I'm okay- but it's hard.

It's hard to wake up at 6:00 in the morning, be on the go, do a 45 minute commute, greet students by name, teach/help all day, do another 45 minute commute, and go to class, then eat quick, and begin doing homework for the classes by the next day.

I was out of my room this morning at 6:45 and did not return until 8:10. I kicked off my shoes, and my feet ache terribly, my eyes hang heavy, I have blister marks on my heels and other spots on my feet, and I ache from standing and moving around. It's hard.

I love it- (maybe not the homework), but it's hard.

But I remember what that rule says- "Keep trying, even when it's hard."

Here are some things that are motivating me to keep trying, even though it's hard.
-I was able to greet every one of my students this morning by name! (I finally have the names memorized! WOO!)

-I taught my first math lesson today. We played "Five Frame Fun." (working on adding up to 5 and part to whole relationship skills). It went GREAT!

-I went to the school's chapel today. My old prof, who taught me how to teach music, led some of the responsories and all of the songs. She is amazing and wonderful at what she does, and I am so blessed to be working among her once again!

-I also cannot describe how amazing my co-op teacher is. She is absolutely phenomenal and we have such a great relationship.

-We celebrated a student's birthday today, we sang to him and got cupcakes.

-I keep getting dandelions and other weed-like flowers from my students. I feel bad not knowing what to do with them, but I love the thoughts behind them.

-I read "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon" today. To my surprise, when I finished the book, students began chanting, "READ IT AGAIN! READ IT AGAIN!" We had time, so I did. I love those 3 words.

-Tonight, after class, and a quick scarf-down of dinner, I was able to help my good buddy, who is awesome. He did an internship and needed his best friends to sit through individual presentations and mock question and answer things with his supervisor about roping in new interns. I had no interest, not really any time, and I was totally exhausted, but I helped. And you know what? It felt so good. It is so great to do something for someone else and be a good friend. I am blessed to have this guy in my life.