Thankful for Small Blessings

Posted by Amy Horn Nov 18, 2006

Three months into the school year and it seems a lot easier to name all of the things at school for which I'm not grateful as opposed to all of the things for which I am. A lot of my colleagues seem to feel the same way. The promise of the new and exciting school year—“This time I’m going to get it right”—has long since passed and the countdown to winter break is underway for many of us. Some of the same old problems and complaints have crept up again, along with some new ones, as well. The list of gripes is long and the sound of groans is strong right now...which is why it’s the perfect time to get a grip and realize it’s really not that bad.

Really, it’s not.

And when I truly think about it, I have so much for which I am grateful within my school building, let alone my real life. I could go on and on when I take the time to reflect but here are just a few fabulous facets for which I say thank you: team and personal planning periods back to back , each and every day; a beautiful, two-year old building; my own classroom where I can lock myself away when I see fit; working with a team of teachers who truly are friends, as well; Breakfast Club every Friday morning; a principal who gives us as much freedom and trust as possible; parents who appreciate our efforts...and the list certainly doesn’t end there. Of course, there are things that I don’t like and personalities that drive me crazy, but hey, that’s life. And when I stop to smell the coffee in the lounge or taste the treats that the foods & nutrition kids made for me, I realize life is really good.

Really, it is.