Make a Difference

Make a Difference

     How are you going to make a difference? That question kept coming to mind today as I hiked through the woods.With camera in hand, I started out knowing that the woods would be nearly barren of color. I took a picture here and there, but mostly let my mind wander. What a fabulous place to be on New Year's Eve! The quiet stillness allowed my brain to think and my body to relax. 

     The beginning of a New Year is a great time for reflection. This past year for my family was such a mixture of highs and lows. Foremost was the incredible joy of watching two of my children marrying the love of their lives. Knowing that my children are happy and ready to begin their own lives fills me with a sense of pride. It was definitely God's hand at work as those two weddings were bookends for the summer of flooding. The stress and hardship of that tragic time affected so many. Months of worry, loss, and destruction took its toll. Yet, through it all, God blessed us with great memories that will help to overshadow those bad times. 

    The New Year is also a time for setting goals and making promises. Many people want to lose weight, overcome a bad habit, make more money, or spend time with others. Most of us have made those goals only to abandon them weeks later. This year, I want to make a more conscious decision. I want to make a difference. But how?

     Walking though the woods, I noticed the carpet of leaves and tangle of dead trees and branches. I found myself thinking of a bigger picture. Questions bombarded my mind. 

    Where am I in my life right now? Where do I want to go? Am I among the leaves being stepped on by others? Am I tangled in the branches unable to find my way? Am I part of the tangle, blocking someone else's path?

     Or, am I part of the ground cover warming the earth for new ideas to grow? Am I like the trees standing beside others' paths as they journey along?

     I found myself noticing the green moss growing on trees and rocks. The bright color beckoning amid the drab winter browns and grays. While I snapped pictures, I wondered, is it possible to be the moss growing steadfast and strong in our world today? Where is my path going to take me now?

     In 2020, as my teaching career comes to an end, I hope that along the way I have influenced a child, a parent, or a colleague to be their best, help others, or be someone who makes a difference.

As the new year begins, I ponder what I will do as one journey ends and another begins? Will my love for words and pictures help me to make a difference? Where will this new path take me? Or does God have a completely different plan in mind?

     More questions than answers on this beautiful day wandering in the woods, but the calm has at least relaxed my soul. I hope to face each day and notice the blessings given to me. I plan to make a difference in the lives of others, and pray that I can be like the moss, steadfast and strong as I face challenges and decisions yet to come.

     May your goals and promises this New Year lead you to make a difference for yourself and others. Be the color that stands out among the drab, and stay steadfast and strong in your own journey! 

Just Be a Good Person

Just Be a Good Person

     As 9-11 approached this year,  I struggled once again with how to broach this subject with my students. Since they are 9 and 10, I have always stayed away from the images and heartbreaking stories of that day and choose to focus on what happened the next day, and the next, and the next. The true meaning of heroes and bravery. The ways in which our country came together and were unified in patriotism and acts of service. How we worried about our neighbors and were kind to strangers. The memorials that have been created to remind us of all those that lost their lives. 

     This year, I chose that same path. I got the usual questions and comments about the pictures and videos most had seen of the horrific acts and destruction of that day. As humans, we have such a fascination with this. But I glossed over that and told the kids that the real message comes from what happened after that day. We read wonderful books such as September 12: We Knew Everything Would be Alright and watched the Reading Rainbow episode, "The Tin Forest." The students learned about a school in New York right down the street from the Twin Towers. They learned how those kids dealt with the tragedy and the sense of hope that came out of that day. As I glanced around the room, I marveled at the intense interest of the students. My hope was that they were getting the true message.

     Our discussion after was one I will never forget. The students no longer were focused on the devastation, but wanted to know, "Why?" 

"How could someone do such a horrible thing to other people?" 

"What can we do?"

One student commented about all of the murders in St. Louis and the number of kids that have been killed for no reason. Another mentioned the senseless attacks on schools and how we have to have lockdown drills. 

Again, the questions were "Why?"

"How could someone do such a horrible thing to other people?"
"What can we do?"
     I took a deep breath and began to answer hoping that God gave me the right words to say. I asked the students what I had told them at the beginning of the year. What was the biggest thing that I hoped they learned this year?
     Immediately, several responded, "To Just Be a Good Person." The kids took over the discussion and talked about how that simple thing could influence others and help to make a change in our world. How they could be leaders and show kindness in our class and school. They got it. At that moment, I knew that these kids could grow up and make a difference.
     As adults, we need to teach our kids how to be good people. Set great examples for them, give them hope, encourage acts of kindness and service. Help them be the change we want to see by being that change for them right now!
     As the students headed back to their desks, one child asked me again, "Why would someone kill themselves just to kill so many others? Did they hate us that much?
     Another child turned around and responded, "He just wasn't a good person."

     Yes, they got it. Just Be a Good Person!

It Must be Nice to Have Summers Off

"It Must Be Nice to Have Summers Off"

       

     Teachers have all heard the comment, "It must be nice to have summers off." Anyone that has a relative or spouse as a teacher knows that this is only partially true. A summer off is not necessarily a real thing anymore. 

     Many teachers take college classes over summer, or workshops, or pick up jobs to make ends meet. Others spend a large portion of their "summer off" preparing for the next year. They scour websites for new classroom management techniques, strategies to improve reading and math lessons, or ways to add technology to their lessons. They read several of the latest books on education. They have meetings with colleagues to prepare curriculum, timelines, and schedules.They spend a good portion of their own money for resources to make their classroom for the next school year inviting. Teachers may have time off, but deeply committed teachers use this time to become even better.

     Many people may not know that as teachers go into Summer Break, depression is a common occurrence. Yes, that may sound like an anomaly, but it's true. Teachers go from caring for 20 or more children day in and day out to...nothing. They go from seeing friends/colleagues on an every day basis to...nothing. The strict schedule of nearly every moment of the day, including when they can use the restroom...is gone. They find themselves with extra time in the evenings and on weekends that were originally filled with grading and planning. At first, this may sound like heaven, but the time to adapt to this "freedom" can be very stressful for some. 

     Teachers don't stop worrying about their children just because it's summer. In fact, in some cases, they worry more. Are their students being fed, being take care of by someone each day, and are they safe? This adds to the depression because there isn't much they can do for those kids now that they don't see them everyday.

      Teachers need to take a break and rejuvenate before moving on. They should not feel guilty for taking some time to adjust to their new normal during the summer. Enjoying a cup of coffee before it gets cold, some quite time in the morning, going out to eat lunch like regular people, and even vegging on the couch to catch up on some shows or read a book for enjoyment. Moments like this are powerful motivators. Those with children soak up every moment they can to make up for all the lost time throughout the school year. That quality time is what helps them to get through the next year.

     Because before they know it, the letters have gone out to parents about registration or what class their child will be in for the new school year. School supplies go on sale reminding them that their new year is about to start.

     So the next time you yourself or someone exclaims, "It must be nice to have summers off," know that a teacher inwardly groans knowing that this person doesn't really know what teachers do in the summer. They do everything they can to help make the next school year the best for every child that will enter their classroom doors!

Bloom Where You are Planted 

     Growing up, I enjoyed the simple things in life. Riding my bike around town with friends until dark, fishing, swimming, or boating on the river, watching my brother and his friends play hockey or wiffle ball at the church parking lot, and cheering on the local men’s baseball team at the ball field on Sundays. We’d go to the little store and get candy or ice cream, and get a burger or pizza from the tavern. I attended the local catholic school with 8 grades in 3 classrooms, went to church on Sundays, and worked at the church picnic. Life was slow and simple. 

     When I got older and went to high school in town, and then went away for college, I realized there was so much more out there. I enjoyed the the fun of high school and college football games, discovered that a trip to the grocery store and shopping wasn’t an all day experience, and the joys of pizza delivery. I remember coming home from college for visits and thinking that I could never move back to our small town. My life was full and fast paced, and there was nothing to do in my small town. 

     But, roots run deep, and God knows best. Except for those years away at college, I’ve lived in or right outside my small hometown now for my whole life. I came to appreciate the quiet, simple, slow pace as I’ve grown older and couldn’t imagine it any other way! My husband and I raised our three children with those small town experiences and values. Yes, they had more opportunities than we had growing up, such as playing select sports, summer and spring break trips, and frequent trips to town for movies, eating out, or shopping. However, when you ask them now as young adults, what they enjoyed most about growing up it was not any of those things. They talk about fishing on the river, spending time on the sandbars, or going camping. They appreciate the closeness of the community, the values of small town living, and the simple experiences. The oldest two have even moved back close to home to begin their own families, and the youngest has plans to do the same. How did we get so lucky? 

     Small town life though doesn’t come without its challenges. People know your business more than you’d want, trips to town still take awhile, and living between the rivers has its own set of unique troubles. The last few years, Mother Nature and the rivers have a mind of their own. The stress of not knowing what the next day will bring can impact everyone. I’m often asked, “Why would you want to live there? You always have to worry about flooding.” But it’s times like these where small town living and community are so appreciated.

     A few weeks ago, the river threatened the venue for my daughter’s wedding reception. Before we even had time to really worry and start thinking about what we were going to do, many community members were calling us offering solutions. Where else are you immediately offered, without hesitation, a neighbor’s shed, or a nearby parish gym? The generosity of community is amazing! As farmers, family, and friends struggled with sandbagging, and moving things out of their own homes or others, they still had our backs. That’s why we live here! 

    Our kids had plenty of room to play, space to raise pets, opportunities to hunt and farm. The chance to see wondrous sunsets, and unhindered views of the moon and stars. The sight of the bluffs nearby and the vibrant colors of the trees in the fall. Learning about the seasons by watching the farmers’ fields be planted, grow, and harvested each year. Having family, people you consider family, and friends close by to grow up, play with, and learn from over the years. Our kids learned the values of hard work and volunteering. To immediately step up and help others no matter what. That’s why we live here! 

     Not everyone can be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer because we need carpenters, teachers, and clerks. Well not everyone can live in a small town. We need larger towns and cities and people who enjoy living there. I know many people that love their neighborhoods, being close to work, and the conveniences of living in larger towns and cities. They can tell you many great reasons for why they live where they do, and they should feel that way. We all should. 

     We each have our own choice to choose how we live our lives and where we choose to do so. No matter where you live, the important thing is to be a good person, raise a good family, envelope yourself with wonderful friends, and be a contributing member to your community. Know your neighbors, support others, volunteer to help others, and live life to the fullest. Take advantage of the opportunities you’ve been given. Bloom where you are planted!

From Hunting to Shinrin-Yoku 

     The crisp April morning greets me as I head off to my spot in the woods. Carefully I step so as not to intrude upon the day as the sky begins to lighten. In the distance, a gobbler makes himself known. My steps quicken for I want to be settled before the birds come down from their roosts. In anticipation I wait, but soon become distracted as always by the absolute wonder all around me. The sights and sounds envelope me on another glorious day.

     On this spring day, the color is such a welcome sight from the long, dreary winter. The purple red bud blossoms and white flowers of the dogwoods stand out against the myriad of greening trees and bushes. The yellow wild mustard grow steadfast along the edges of the field. Even the damp, brown leaves underfoot catch my eye. As the sun overtakes the shadows of the dawn, the dewdrops on the tall grasses glisten. The ground shimmers as if covered in diamonds.

     The cool breeze rustles through the branches and new leaves. The creek rushes as it carries away the recent rain. A bumblebee buzzes as it flits from one blossom to the next taking in nourishment and pollinating as it goes. Numerous birds welcome the day with their calls - the rat-a-tat-tat of the woodpecker, the melodious song of the sparrow, the trill of the warbler, and the caws of the crows are just a few. These sounds blend to create a joyous symphony in the morning air.

     Each and every day this untouched splendor awaits, beckoning to be noticed. The calm and beauty work their magic as every fiber of my mind, body, and soul relax. This is as it should be. Our senses heightened not from our busy schedules, pressures of life, or the intrusion of technology, but by the awe and glory of nature.

     The minutes and hours fly by. I’m lost in thought as I marvel at everything around me. The intricate shape of each branch and tree. The miraculous way that the buds burst forth into leaves and flowers. Even the weeds and tall grasses have their own beauty and place, beckoning insects and critters to enjoy the habitat. The fallen trees and broken branches are not obtrusive, but create a balance for decomposers to replenish the soil. The carpet of leaves, needles, and twigs help warm the earth.

     Would our world be different if everyone had time to appreciate the mysteries of nature? How wonderful would it be for future generations to make nature a true priority? How did I become the lucky one to be able to revel in this experience?

     I’m startled out of my reflection by the chittering of a squirrel. He admonishes me for being in his space, but quickly realizes I mean no harm. He scampers from branch to branch. A group of birds flutter down in search of worms and remaining seeds. One flies off with a twig to add to its growing nest.

     My attempts to call in a turkey have gone unanswered, and my tag will remain unfilled. The remaining minutes dwindle away, but I have been fully rejuvenated, bathed in nature’s elements. Although the hunt on this day may not have been successful, I know I have been rewarded with so much more than the prize of a turkey.