School Tales: Thankful Teacher

February is the time of the academic year that is most exhausting, in my opinion. Each day is a war against nature merely to wake up in the morning, much less face a classroom of beasts. I struggle against laziness and lack of motivation. I had a rough day with some of my kids today; I got significantly more attitude than I bargained for, more inappropriate comments, more rowdiness. I constantly re-directed, conferenced, and disciplined children...all 108 of them it seemed. DRAINING! There were some good, teachable, sweet moments as well, enough to remind me of the bigger picture.

Today I thought back to my other "career" as a dietitian- the extent to which I despised it, and the depths of my unhappiness. Thank God for His direction: I have never had a job I hated more, clearly not the place for me. Interestingly enough, the "job I've never hated more" was quickly followed by the job I've never loved more. My current job is amazing- how do I count the ways? My sweet, sour, and sassy students, the subject I attempt to teach, the flexibility & autonomy I have, and my encouraging, HUMOROUS fellow electives teachers.

As a teacher, I have encountered the good, the bad, and a little bit of ugly, but can say I have never had a purely horrible day. Perhaps it is simply perspective. Even at the end of a day like this one, with many things gone awry, I am supremely satisfied. I can't help but be thankful the Lord led me to become a teacher (against my wishes :)