Gratitude

I think it's finally settling in. The fact that I've been offered a job as a Literacy Specialist for the District. The fact that it's a "B" contract which guarantees me work every year in this area. The fact that I'll get to work with small groups of elementary students, middle school students, and work with challenging teachers. Yes, the Lord has provided for me. I never dreamed I would be offered this honorable position. I feel inadequate, nervous, and very excited all at once. My heart is filled with gratitude for what the Lord has done in my life in such a short time.

I also have a heart of gratitude for the husband God has provided for me. June 21st marked 4 years for us and due to my job I had to work for 1/2 the day. Then we went to a high school graduation in the afternoon and a staff party in the evening. Now I sit here burning CDs with pictures, video, and other things that I put together for my students with my husband's help. It's funny. Before I worked full time, and even still sometimes, I feel like I'm married to the church. I'm beginning to realize though, that he must feel like he's married to the school. I'm driven to do well with my job just as he is driven to do well with his. This week there have been a lot of things to work on - getting the classroom cleaned, paperwork...and so I've been burning the midnight oil while he has gone to bed. Last week it was just the opposite. He was burning the midnight oil working on stuff for church while I went to bed. It isn't always like this. We do make time for each other, and typically we go to bed at the same time. I am; however, looking forward to summer...Prague is really our anniversary gift and Ukraine, our first missions trip together, will be the icing on the cake. I am so grateful for Ben's love, support, and encouragement. He and I are so fitted for each other.

Finally, I would like to express gratitude for the kinds words people have given me concerning having children. I didn't take time to thank you all before, but please allow me to do so now. Thank you for listening. I think I'm beginning to understand now...why I'm not yet a mom.

And so I sit here with a heart full of gratitude, pondering life and what's happening in it, anxiously awaiting the freedom of summer, and looking forward to what is in store for Ben and me in the Ukraine.

This week...

This week...

I've been told by a student, "I want out of this "s...hole" as he stormed out of my classroom. Never before has he talked to me this way.

I've been backtalked to.

I've had a student rip up assignments at least once a day.

I've had the same student disobey me, run off down the hallway, slam her desk on the floor, test me, try me...

I've had extra pressure because of Provincial Assessments. Three times my classroom was interupted by adults who should have known better despite a "Provincial Testing. Please do not interupt sign."

I've cried...but not in front of my class.

This week...

I've spent time with God in the mornings before I've gone to work.

I've tried to be more disciplined with my time.

I've chuckled with my nieces at church.

I've spent time with church friends.

I've spent time preparing for our VBS in the warm company of some church family, my sister, and my husband.

I've received unexpected "pick-me-ups" from friends.

I've had some students hug me.

I've been told, "You're the best Mrs. Canney."

I've been encouraged by some of the students' parents.

I've realized the fragility of the students who have tried to test me, and I've realized the urge to pray for the sake of their future.

I've savoured my walks in the school hallways in the stillness of the mornings.

I've laughed with my colleagues.

I've laughed with my class.


The positives outweigh the negatives.