The Pleasures of Starting School
It has been two weeks since school started here, but it feels like the first day to me. I have assessed my student’s need, and with an enthusiasm that comes with the start of each new school year, I scoured the local teacher supply store and Michael’s. My eyes dart around the store, blinking at the shiny and slick–flashcards, stickers, posters, games for learning. The smell and feel of “New” ways to teach causes excitement to bubble up within me.
I wander the aisles of Michael’s (the arts and craft store), always fascinated by fun and colorful ways to learn something new. As I look for blank sticker books (non-existent these days), I weave through the coloring and painting supplies. Jewelry kits, paint by number, yarn, foam forms for decorating and building. I feel like a kid in a toy store at Christmas.
I have always been the student who could hardly wait to start school. New folders, pens, pencils, a pack of crayons with all the colors and sharp tips, the smell of ink still fresh in the book. Things that made my September sparkle. And with it, there would always be the pull to start a new craft project–not that art was my strong suit.
This trip is no different. I am smiling as my eyes dance through the aisles. While gazing at the stocked shelves my thoughts drift to days when my mother would accompany me on such excursions. I feel her delight as she observes me from heaven’s perspective.
“Are you enjoying this Mom? Watching me have so much fun? You must be happy to know how much I love my job,” my thoughts ramble to her as if she is next to me.
I have been blessed. The Lord has given me a job that captures my once young enthusiasm and gives outlet in an opportunity to pass it on in a career that gives me such joy.
“Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work–this is a gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV
Thank you Lord for this week’s blessings:
659) Raindrops and rainbows that carried such meaning
660) Our Women’s Retreat that helped us see how you are present even in hopeless situations
661) A movie evening with friends
662) A phone call from youngest
663) Oldest completing school to obtain his AA degree
664) A shampoo and trim for our wonder dog
665) Hubby getting around more
666) Tasting Southern sweet tea–a treat for the taste buds
667) Grocery store points that made gas for the car 30 cents a gallon cheaper
668) A job that I love
What delights did the Lord have in store for you this week?
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I was not a person who looked forward to going back to school – I’d always get SO nervous! But, I did completely enjoy going and buying all the new supplies. I loved that part of it when I was a little girl, and I enjoyed it with my sons, too.
I think it touched that part of my heart that loved the idea of a new beginning, a fresh start, a *clean slate*. Everything brand new. That is what I’m delighting in this week – that every day God’s mercies are new, and His faithfulness stands strong. His forgiveness erased all of my transgressions – He gave me a permanent *clean slate*!!
That is what brings joy to my heart.
GOD BLESS!
Janis, I can tell that you are “one of those” teachers…the kind that is GOOD at what she does, who loves the students, who blesses them with her presence. I thank God for teachers like you.
I feel your excitement in Michael’s. As a homeschooler, I still get to feel that thrill each of year of going through the supply aisles. I love school supplies. 🙂
Praying you have a great school year!
Oh, Janis, we really are kindred spirits–I LOVED school, especially the first days–the smell of newly sharpened pencils, the clean, neat feel of a new tablet, the crunch of fall leaves beneath my feet as I walked to school, the nose-tingling smell of a freshly mopped stairway, milk in individual cartons, ice cream treats at lunch–I could go on and on. Thanks for the trip through down a much-blessed memory lane.
Pam at http://www.2encourage.blogspot.com
What a blessing you must be to your students, Janis. This post gave me the beginning-of-the-year butterflies! I, too, loved the start of school–mostly because of teachers like you. Have a wonderful year.
I am so happy you love your job!!! I love seeing where God has brought you.
Linda