First Week Reflections

To be completely honest I did not want to come back to work. I just wasn't ready. The prior school year was ridiculously stressful for various reasons and I just didn't feel motivated to start. I didn't know if I could face another stressful year. I loved my students, there were just a few that drained me on a daily basis.  I wasn't optimist about my classroom dynamics and was bracing myself for the worst. The past has a way of cautioning you for the future. Sometimes that's good while other times, as in my case, just rob you of your joy.

Orientation week went as usually. Meetings, work in class, meetings, work in class, lunch and so on. On Back to School Night I was a bit nervous but not like normal. I was an eerie calm, almost apathetic. I had already assumed the worst and was ready to face my fate. I meet the kids and the parents and it was all good. I'm thinking, this means nothing crazy is just around the corner.

First day of school. Normally for kindergarten first day morning is crazy. Parents dropping kids off, staying in the classroom taking pictures like paparazzi and a few kids crying. I was prepared to deal with this norm. The expected didn't happen. I didn't have a mad house of parents in my room, maybe a couple in my room just putting things away, no picture taking and no full on crying from my students. I had one little girl not sure if she wanted to come in, with a few tears, but nothing dramatic like I had last year. It was a very quiet morning. I couldn't believe it!

The rest of the day went just as smooth. The kids were quiet and respectful. They were all pretty mellow. Usually on the end of the 1st day I am so exhausted. The minute I get home I could just go to sleep. But that first day, I was doing alright. A bit tired but still with a bit of energy. It was very surreal. I had never felt that way before.

Could this be for real? Are they just setting me up?  Are these kids really this way?  The year will tell, but right know I'm just praising God!

After the madness of last year I could use some peace. I'm thinking that this will be a peaceful year. I'm trusting that what I've experienced the last few days is the real thing. I'm suddenly looking forward to this year! I'm smiling and meaning it! I'm feeling so blessed!

Thank you Lord for your strength, mercy, faithfulness and joy!