This is the season to be thankful.
Both November and December have always been months of reflection and gratitude, to show us areas in life where we should give thanks.
And we have to be careful in this. I know I for one can get more swept up in lack, or things I don't have in those moments of contemplation. However, I am often issued subtle reminders of the things I do possess that are valuable and often intangible.
I can be thankful to those who love and care for me. I can show thanks to my parents who have always been great supporters of my creativity and free spirit. And, for students over the years that have become successful adults and whom I now consider friends.
And then some current realities sink in...
For instance, at this time of year, particularly for educators, exhaustion begins to rear its face.. The honeymoon phase of the first weeks of school are in the past.
Students have now set into patterns of behavior that are not productive for them as well as their peers. And there also tends to be a spike during this time of "thankfullness" (Ah! The irony)
So, in this I have to be thankful for the students who value my presence and role at the school,. Those who aren't afraid to show appreciation with words like "Thank you" and "Good Morning". And the occasional colleague that serves as both confidante and support.
Moments of thankfullness do truly exist.
Look hard enough, they're there.
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