Published in 1991 in Shining Star Magazine

    this Shining Moment still shines brightly. Thought you might enjoy it.

 

“Whew. What a week!” I sighed on a Friday evening.

“It’s been absolutely exhausting.”

The friend with whom I was speaking simply smiled and I went on talking.

“It’s been  particularly hard at school right now.

We had to give a major test that took the most part of three days.

That’s always a challenge with wiggly little first graders.

And we had lots of meetings to attend.

I had some important parent conferences after school

   And it was National Lunch Week so crowds of parents came  to school

     To eat with their children.

And Picture Day.

Papers to correct. Lesson Plans. Bulletin  boards to change.

Telephone call. Notes. More meetings…”

 

My friend continued to smile.

“This coming week should be better,” I said.

“I doubt it,” my friend replied with a twinkle in her eye.

“Oh, but surely it will be easier,” I insisted.

“It’s just there’s a lot of pressure right now.”

 

“Sharon, there’s always something.

You’re a teacher!”

How true.

Each week is a challenge. The challenge just changes.

The flurry of the beginning of school leads to the press of first report cards,

   Fall parties, conferences, etc.

  which leads into the busy holiday season

   that leads into the cold winter months.

School closings. Boots. Heavy coats with zippers that don’t work.

Make up days. Report cars which leads into etc.etc.

 

The life of a teacher is never dull. Never monotonous.

Endless variety and constant change keep us living on our tip-toes.

Yes, we usually come to Friday with a great sigh of relief

     And a song of thanksgiving to have survived.

But deep down in our hearts is a spring of joy,

   A sense of satisfaction.

We have the privilege of touching the lives of children.

Countless boys and girls are different today

   because of our influence.

Amidst the busyness of each week and the pressure of life’s demands

  it’s encouraging to know that we are not alone.

All those dedicated to educating children feel, at times,

 The same weariness, experience the same frustration

  And struggle with a sense of being overwhelmed.

It’s part of our calling.

And it too draws us together-heart to heart.

So, how has your week been?

A bit crazy? Hectic? Unbelievable?

Let’s join hands. How great it is to be a teacher!

 

Know a teacher who might benefit from some coaching?

Let me know.