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Day 151: Be Flexible and Find Joy!


August 13, 2020


If you’re not a teacher, I hope you can read this and apply it to your own daily life in some way.  Here is something that I believe about teaching:  A teacher who is in control of herself and her emotional responses to children, is in control of her classroom.  This results in a positive environment for the students and the teacher and every type of learning (academic, social and emotional) takes place.   As teachers, it is vital to remember that we set the tone in our classroom.  We all have bad days, but it is our responsibility, to ourselves, our colleagues and our students to persevere in our quest for joy.  Flexibility is key.  (Picture Disney’s Mrs. Incredible)  If we stand flat footed and immoveable as we face each day’s challenges, those “flying objects” will knock us down.  But if we can stretch and bend as we attempt to juggle the inevitable “joy stealing” events that roll through our day, their impact on us is less.  Preserving our hope, joy and inner peace is essential because all these things are contagious to those around us.  I hope that even though I must “mask my face”, I will find ways this school year to “unmask my heart” and connect with these children who are experiencing so much upheaval in their lives at such a young age.  In this year, more than any other, there is the potential for helping children grow emotionally as well as academically as all of us navigate the ever changing landscape of this pandemic.  As teachers, it is up to us to step up and be good examples.  We must bring the joy into the classroom. 2 Timothy 1:7 (TLB) says: “For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.”  John 15:11 (NIV) says: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”  Romans 12:12 (NIV): “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  I’m praying for your joy and your safety!  Smile and be joyful!


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