Smile and Be Joyful

These last few weeks have been quite challenging at work as the teachers in my school district have been asked to teach both “face to face” students and “at home” students at the same time. (As in, simultaneously !)   Multi-tasking has always been “a thing” in education, kind of like being a mom, but with more kids (who are not your kids) and less bathroom breaks.   The job description is un-writeable even in “normal” circumstances.   As a teacher I am accustomed to juggling many tasks at the same time.   It is a talent I had (nearly) perfected over time.   This school year my usual act of juggling balls and bowling pins while keeping plates spinning on tall sticks has been upgraded with the addition of chain saws, knives and flaming torches.   (Thank you, technology, learning management software and unstable internet!)   And did I mention I do all this blindfolded?   (while wearing a mask?)   One of my new sayings is “I don’t even know what ...

  September 12, 2020 Life is full of choices, both big and small.   But even choices that seem small at the time can have a big impact.   Having an open dialog with God (talking to Him as we go through our day) can help us to make the right choices.   Think of it this way…   If I am driving along already on the phone with someone and need to ask them a question, I can just ask it and listen for their answer.   The opposite of that situation would be driving along needing to talk to someone and not having their number in my phone, or not being able to find my phone or (even worse) realizing I left my phone at home.   When I jump into my day without dialing into my heavenly Father, I am choosing to navigate the day’s challenges on my own.   The phone may be in my pocket, but if it isn’t charged it does me no good.   If I talk to God in the morning but let the first unexpected trial detour my day, it is like I’ve lost my phone between the seat a...

  September 12, 2020  “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”  I am really glad that saying has turned out to be untrue.  The last few weeks I have experienced a learning curve unlike any that I have encountered in over thirty years of teaching.  But this “old dog” has learned a lot of new tricks thanks to a lot of help from my younger counter parts and my patient daughters.  Learning how to teach in person and on-line simultaneously, and all the technology and logistics that requires has been frustrating.  My faith (and my brain) have been stretched and tested and have grown stronger.  Compared to the struggles that other people around the country are experiencing, I know that my problems are small.  My family is well, my home has not been destroyed by fire or flood.  I think it is always important to remember that we are not the only ones with problems.  Perspective is key.  We are so blessed that God always cares about our ...