grateful!

I am at school, wrapping up week 12 of student teaching. I have conferences today and my lead teacher isn't here so I'm sitting in her teacher chair with my work spread all around me, my to-list displayed on the top of all the folders, notebooks and papers. My first conference isn't until 10am so I thought I would spend sometime doing some "life" related things and then transition into more school related things as the day moves forward. So, I thought I would take the opportunity to expose some of the things I am truly thankful for.

Weekends are usually pretty stressful for me because I have SO much to do that has been neglected Monday - Friday in addition to having a Monday deadline for things like lesson plans and homework. For the last 12 weekend, I have struggled to find the resources I need to make plans that don't involve a highlighter, my laptop or my apartment. I am standing up in a wedding at the end of April and the long-anticipated bridal shower weekend was last weekend. I was stressed even thinking about what I had to accomplish in order to pull off the showers, but I am grateful to say that Sunday afternoons shower was a particular success and I felt SO good driving away knowing that my investment was good.


After successfully making it through my Marathon Monday, I made biscuits and gravy from scratch and watched online television with my roommate. It was really fun!

The week marched forward and excitement grew by the day because the 25th was my birthday and my students were planning a surprise (not so surprise) party for me. It was so sweet to feel so celebrated. When I thanked my teacher for the day she said "you are loved" and I know she meant it. It's been such a journey to work with her, and it's been far from easy, but this birthday party is the perfect example of how valuable it is to invest well when you feel like you have nothing to give and to continue to believe that the Lord has greater things in store than what is seen on the surface. I've never been one to weigh my self-esteem based on whether or not people celebrate my birthday, but I have to admit, I was greatly encouraged by the love and enthusiasm that was displayed on my behalf yesterday. It was a really great way to transition into spring break!