I still remember how I felt before the first day of school every single year. Ever year I had that 'First Day' outfit spread across my dresser the night before. I still recall never being able to sleep. I remember the questions that raced through my head. But, I knew I was ready for the first day.
Because Monday was coming.
As I find myself now standing on the other side of that threshold of the school doors, I am still filled with excitement. Yes, the questions have changed that race through my head. But, I am ready.
Because Monday is coming.
I am ready to have students in my room before and after school asking me questions. I am ready to laugh with them. I am ready to struggle with them. I am ready to be frustrated. I am ready to succeed with them. I am ready to believe in them.
Because Monday is coming.
The days are slipping from our hands of summer vacation, and the 'First Day' is palpable. I tend to keep looking at my class rosters for changes and updates, because I want to know those kids already.
Because Monday is coming.
And I want to begin praying by name. For those hearts that will walk through those doors. For those desks that will be filled. And for those faces that I will get to see every day. And for those special souls I will be privileged to call my students.
Because Monday is coming.
That's fine if some teachers read this and roll their eyes at what I am saying. That is fine if they believe that I haven't taught long enough to want to keep my summer break as long as possible. Keep rolling your eyes then, darling. Because I'm ready.
Because Monday is coming.
When I worked at Sky Ranch, every Sunday we had new campers arrive. EVERY single Sunday. And I still remember feeling that same excitement every new week, even when we were exhausted. Because every new camper deserved that same energy as that first week did. We would pray over the bunks of the new kids arriving.
Because we all knew, Sunday was coming.
And that's how I feel about my students. Yet thankfully, I don't just get a week with them. I get 10 full months. Only 10 months. And how quickly that time escapes us. My heart is full. My heart is ready. And it better be.
Because Monday is coming.
-S
P.S. Part of this post is inspired from the video Sunday's Coming. Feel free to watch. :)
