I feel a little like a contestant on “Beat the Clock.” For those of you who are far younger than I, it was a game show in which couples tried to complete a stunt in less than 60 seconds. Today, I have not completed any stunts – at least none that were memorable! Instead, I have been up against a deadline all day long. Even now as I write, the 8:00 PM deadline I determined for this post fast approaches. Knowing that no one had signed up for this day, I was fully prepared to write and even imagined the story I might share, but when the time came to write, I was left to race against the clock. Moving from meeting to meeting, finishing recommendations, writing up observations, and completing a host of other tasks with a shared deadline of tonight, I hurried home much later than I wanted, necessitating a change of plans for dinner. Leftovers would have to suffice. Would I have time to monitor reading and math homework after Sarah’s quick shower? Would I have time to complete this post before 8:00 – and would it be worth the virtual ink on the page? These thoughts swirled in my head as I stirred the chili.
Today, amid the chaos of deadlines and freneticism, I gained more than just winning at “Beat the Clock.” I listened to a worried parent and was able to provide some hope along with two other teachers. I helped a student understand a bit about grace and its power even when one has done something wrong. I observed two wonderful lessons with different teaching styles. I heard the powerful words captured in several students’ writing. I checked on a child who was hurt. I ate delicious chocolate that was dropped on my desk as a wonderful gift at the end of a long day. I made one of our cleaning staff smile as I thanked him for his hard work on Friday night.
As I hit preview and then post, kiss my girl goodnight, and start proofreading progress reports, I am so happy that this post was my responsibility today. It has been a gift to see that so much good was hidden in the midst of what felt overwhelming. I needed that – and it is only 7:57!
http://goo.gl/PwKzJ
Learner, Thinker, Writer: Maryellen Berry serves Trinity School as Upper Learning Department Coordinator. @fastwalker10
Congratulations – you amaze me, your ability to make adjustments, turn on a dime, and genuinely care about all who are around you is almost breathtaking! Thanks for always being such an inspiration to those of us who could do more. Hope you have a chance to catch your breath – also glad you had a chance to spend some time with your very special daughter. She also makes a person smile!!!
Maryellen, I’m not sure a more pertinent post could have been written during the week of progress reports. Lovely, as always.
You inspire us with your commitment and energy and amaze us with your ability to see only the beauty in a busy day.
Here’s hoping, though, that next week is more like “Wheel of Fortune” or “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”…
If there was a like button, I would be hitting it!
I feel like this often. I don’t slow down long enough to notice the good things in my day nearly often enough. Thanks for the great post and reminder to look for the positives!