Power of Patience

Man, this week has been crazy! I love being busy and feeling like I have a purpose. Being an organized person makes weeks like this much more bearable. However, it doesn't always matter if you're organized because some things are just out of our control. I can have post-it notes telling me what's next in my schedule or neatly printed out lesson plans; sometimes it just doesn't go as planned.

Last summer, I found a couch that not only fits my style, but will look great in my place. The arrival of this couch has been in the back of my mind since I purchased it (in July). It was scheduled to be delivered mid-September. You guessed it; it's not here yet. I received a call telling me that there was an issue with the manufacturer and it wouldn't be in my living room until November. While I felt discouraged and bummed out, I knew that it was out of my control. Not only that, but it was out of control of the person on the other end of the phone. They could sense my disappointment and thanked me for being understanding. Because I didn't yell, kick, and scream, they sent me a gift certificate in the mail (very minimal, but yea, it's something). :-)

Just today, I was excited to get school work done during my planning period, run a few errands after school, and go to the football game this evening. Yesterday was payday, and something went wrong with my deposit. I've been looking forward to receiving this paycheck because it's the first one at my new school (and significantly higher). After an afternoon of shuffling around along with calls and emails to my HR person, I had a check in my hands. I wasn't able to get my school work done, but it all got figured out. This change of plans made me think a lot about being patient. It would not have been the end of the world if this didn't get figured out today. Am I thankful it did? Absolutely. I recognized that things were going to work themselves out. It didn't matter if I threw a fit or if I took it step-by-step; therefore, why not be the understanding one and trust that it would all work out?

I'm not sharing this with you to shed a good light on myself, but rather to think about patience and understanding. Evaluating a situation's significance, and how do I say it? .... taking a 'chill pill,' things will all work out. Yes, that's the power of patience.

Off to cheer on the Golden Hawks!

Staying Hopeful

Yesterday one of my co-workers made the comment, "It's time for a weekend." I was feeling tired and worn-down, so I nodded in agreement. It wasn't a particularly good or bad week. It was just long and full. In fact, mid-week, I made my way to Des Moines for a concert with friends. This may sound a little crazy, but we bought the tickets early last spring. Plus, it was Eric Church, and I would do nearly anything for him (maybe a slightly extreme comment). A good country concert is one of my favorite things. It was so much fun, and I couldn't stop smiling as I sang along with some of my best friends. It felt great to see them and was a wonderful escape from reality.

I planned on going home this weekend to spend time with family, but after traveling to DSM and feeling behind in school work, I decided against it. After a good night's sleep and a slow-moving Saturday morning, I'm pleased with my decision. I've been drinking coffee and casually reading. (Like, for fun... not for school!) Best of all, I've got college football playing in the background.


This year, I haven't had to commute, which is awesome. When I drove on Wednesday, I was taken back to those times on the road where I could think, listen to music, think, talk on the phone, and think. I can't say I miss driving (or filling up my gas tank), but it was nice to spend some time with my own thoughts. Every once in a while, I start to get anxious about the future because there are so many aspects that I'm unsure about. While I was driving, that wasn't the case. I realized that I have a lot to be happy about. Even more than that, I have a lot to be proud of. Just five years ago I would have never imagined this would be my life, but things have a funny way of falling into place. Do I still wonder? All the time, but I also trust that it will be okay.

Meanwhile, I think it's important not to sit around and let life happen to me. We are all in charge of day-to-day happiness. This must be a choice we make. We can't leave it all to fate. This is one of my new revelations, so I'm learning what aspects of life I have to let go and others that I need to react to. Life can be so complicated, but if we take it one day, one decision at time, it doesn't seem as overwhelming. Stay hopeful.

Cheerleaders

As the school year rolls on, I'm beginning to find my place. Each day I learn a new procedure, a new face. I've always been an advocate for lifelong learning and teaching others to realize that there are opportunities each day to grow. It's truly a blessing to have a hand in the education of others.

I've been thinking about the different roles people play in our everyday lives. Especially as a volleyball coach, I see how important each person is on a team. It's the same in the classroom -- even more so, in life. While it may be hard to see, the group wouldn't strive without each person fulfilling the duties in each role.

One of the most difficult roles to play is the cheerleader. You aren't necessarily in the spotlight and often get overlooked, but this role is crucial for success. Without the motivation coming from that cheerleader, there is a definite hole in the team. On the flip side, the cheerleader's job can be difficult in times of struggle. It's hard to stay positive when the going gets tough, but it's oh-so important.

I decided today would be a good day to acknowledge all the cheerleaders in my life. When is the last time you thanked a cheerleader?

One Step at a Time

Maybe it's the football or the fact that I'm wearing a sweatshirt, but it's finally feeling like fall! While today is a Saturday, it started off much like any other school day. We had a volleyball tournament, and the bus arrived sharply at 7:30. The girls were bubbly and ready to go, and it was looking to be a good day. 

It didn't take long into our first match that realized we had our work cut out for us. Today was only the third time we've suited up this season. The teams we played against were tough. As freshmen and sophomores, they are learning to do some adjusting. Not only did it take time to get used to a new coach, but many of them had never played together before. For the freshmen, adjusting to high school sports can also be a challenge. Overall, they have done a great job, and I am proud of them. It just takes time.

As we road home on the bus, I started thinking about time. I feel like I have been teaching for weeks, but it's only been twelve days. I can't believe how much we have gotten done already! Obviously, this is a good feeling, but every once in a while I get frustrated because something isn't where I want it to be. I wish I knew all the teachers better; I wish I knew which kids were related to others. That's when I have to remind myself that things take time. It takes time to "fit in." I'm not going to know everything this early on. Many of the other teachers have been at my district for nearly ten years or more. They have made connections, and they once were in my shoes. 

In many ways, my fresh/soph team and I are a lot alike. We are all learning. We are all realizing that things take time, and that's okay. 

Let's Get Personal

It seems as though recently I have been encountering people that are not followers of Christ. Obviously, not everyone I see each day has a personal relationship with Him; however, it has surprisingly come up in quite a few conversations lately. I feel like God is working through me to reach others, which is a little scary. It's evident that I don't have all the answers, but I do have strong feelings about my faith and love sharing it with others.

The idea that people have nothing to believe in seems very foreign to me. I have been wrestling with this idea of having nothing. I'm not talking about people that aren't Christians, but rather those that don't look towards anything at the end of the day. They attribute life successes to themselves, and when something goes bad, they chalk it up to karma or just having bad luck. As a Christian, I realize I can only love and respect them. And even more importantly, I can pray for them.

I was having a similar conversation with my best friend. She responded by saying that some people have times where they're lost and it just takes more time for them. Everyone is on a different path and must make these decisions individually.

"God enters by a private door into each individual." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Having a personal relationship with Christ is just that -- personal. No one can take it from you. No one can push you into it. No matter how many times you went to Sunday School as a child, it's still you're decision. It doesn't matter when it happens or what age you are. It's a personal decision and the best one I've ever made.