After a little over two weeks off, it’s back-to-school time.
A Twitter friend sent me this last night…
I had to chuckle.
Although I’d gladly retire if I was financially able, I have to look on the positive side.
I feel rested.
My soul has been restored by the time I spent relaxing.
I spent my entire Christmas break focused on the things that are most important in my life…my family…my fur baby…my home.
Going back is never easy, especially after a break that stretches more than a week.
Changing up the routine from one of sleeping late, shopping, and <gasp> cooking is never easy for me.
Still, I will enter my classroom with a mostly-cheerful heart.
It will be tempered by the sense of loss I, my fellow teachers, and students are feeling…the unexpected passing of a young man in our school family has shocked all of us.
God is gracious, though, and I can’t help but be awed by the way He is always tending to my needs – ahead of time.
I’ve never felt this rested coming out of a break before.
He knew I’d need to be in order to get through the next few days…days of adjusting…days of questioning…days of saying goodbye. The funeral for the young man is scheduled for Wednesday.
In the midst of all of that, I have a job to do.
I need to prepare my students for the semester exams they will be taking in a couple of weeks.
I need to help them grasp author’s purpose…solidly…for we will move on to a new unit after the Martin Luther King holiday.
We’ll be hitting things hard for the next three months.
There are, as of today, 77 days (including weekends) left until Spring Break. After that, the time will fly as students begin taking end-of-the-year exams.
I am determined to guard my heart…to not become too grumpy…especially after reading an interesting article titled 7 Habits of Chronically Unhappy People.
And so today, I’m choosing to be joyful…to count my blessings…to be happy, even with school starting back.
AuburnChick's Adventures 
Nothing like a good break to recharge your batteries! Most people don’t realize that teaching is emotionally and physically draining.
It is extremely difficult to help students through the grieving process when you are going through it yourself. Hugs to you and your colleagues as you help the students. God’s blessings in the difficult days ahead.
Sounds like you are heading back to school with the right perspective. I know God will bless you and be with you through the next couple of days of dealing with the loss of the young man. You know, it really does make a difference when we choose to have joy and it really is a choice.
Wishing you a fantastic second half to the school year!