‘Tis the back to school time everyone. The time of years where teachers set up their classroom, learn new things, and pray their class is better than last years…
Since I am the new teacher, I have a week of training. And then a week of more training and prep. And back to school night where I pretend I am not intimidated by all the parents. And then the kids come! Yay!
At the moment, I am in the middle of the training week. I am relearning the balance between dishes and lunch prep, work hours and home hours.
I know for some people it is different, but in my life summer is the season of calm. I have more time to myself, book clubs and Bible studies take a breather over the summer. I am off of work. The extra hours of sunlight are full of possibility, the days seem longer and I always seem to get my to do list done. Even the busy of summer, the barbecues and outdoor adventures, seem less hectic. People are more willing to slow down and chat, no one moves quickly in this heat.
This year, I am reminded of my childhood days. Towards the end of summer, I would long for school to begin again. I loved summer, the endless hours to read and watch the clouds. But eventually those long hours become too long, those long days stretch on infinitely. I would be ready for structure and routine, a full to do list and tasks to complete. Rest made me appreciate work.
Now, even as an adult with vastly more obligations than a ten year old, I still feel the same way. This summer I have rested my body and mind. I have celebrated birthdays and holidays well. I am ready to work again. The routine of my days has become more structured, a structure I need after long days of rest.
I look forward to learning how to be a teacher, and how to balance my life again. It will look different of course, but that is part of the changing seasons. Every season looks a little bit different, it brings with it new joys and challenges. I can’t wait to find out what this one holds.
Have a great day.
Shaina Merrick
The Beauty of a Story 