Encouragement just when I need it.

I have found this crazy job keeping me busier than I ever thought possible.  Right this moment I have about 500 things to grade and some prepping to do for tomorrow, so I'll keep it short.
I go in waves of needed in encouraged in this wild first year. (Which happens to already be in second quarter, when did that happen?!)  God always knows when, where, and how to give me what I need for the day, to have enough light to see the step in front of me and not much further. 

Sweet reminders of why I teach often come from my students, sweet notes declaring me the best teacher in the world; over hearing conversations of how students never want to go to fourth grade because then Miss Bumpus wouldn't be our teacher; tears shed over the Boxcar Children eating a hen's eggs found in the woods, while lecturing my students about the way they treat each other one of them asking, "Miss Bumpus, do you need a hug?"; and today -- the second of two days this whole school year that all my students have been on "green" at the end of the day.

Other reminders come from the people how have always had the words to say just exactly when I need to hear them.  Prayers and hopes texted in the morning as I start my day from my wonderful mother, who spent a day in my class last week giving my students the best Harvest Party they have ever heard.  Early Morning Sister huddles that I have come to thirst for as I drive to school each morning, prayers spoken over each day, speaking into my heart and focusing me on the great responsibility I have to give the best of myself to my students every day.  Time spent relaxing with friends, pampering ourselves to a mani and a pedi, talking out the challenges of first year teaching, bouncing ideas and getting great advice on what to do with those ridiculous students.  Chai teas, peppermint mocha's, and bagels delivered by a very handsome man who knows just what to do to make sure I am taken care of, showing up just to clean my classroom, cooking amazing dinners, and giving the best foot massages.

It is amazing how listing out these reminders has made me realize just how absolutely blessed I am.  I often find myself so frustrated with my students, thinking that I have it so rough with an unpredictable teaching job.  I love sweet reminders and encouragement from places I do not expect it.  I found just that tonight in a blog I stumbled upon. Go here to read it.