Validation

Thats all we need sometimes right? Just a little validation, someone telling us we did a good job, a pat on the back.

Last night, I was exhausted, literally. I know that I have written about being busy and tired, but my body was literally at the point of giving out. I was getting very congested, I had a bad headache and could barely stand up.

I went to bed, and woke up 2 hours later with the same headache and congestion. I didnt fall asleep for another 3 hours and woke up 2 hours later. So...only 4 hours of sleep.

As I lay in bed last night I did a lot of thinking. I was wondering if I had over-extended myself with all of the extra duties I have taken on. I was wondering if I was short-changing my students and taking focus away from them to do other things, such as the after school program 3 days a week and tutoring 2 days a week. I also wondered how I would do today since it would have been my 4th wedding anniversary, had I still been married. And if that wasnt enough, Parent/Teacher Conferences started today and continue tomorrow. I just prayed that I would have the strength both physically and emotionally to get through the day. I also asked God to help me see in one way or another if I am in fact doing the best thing for myself and students.

I had 17 conferences today. I started off with one where the parents were very happy with the progress their child was making. They then told me that they were so impressed with me and thankful that their child was in my class. He said that he was giving up hope on some of the schools and teachers, but was so happy he was going to write a letter to the superintendent! I about fell over! I was blown away. I was almost in tears. I always knew that teaching is a job that you never know the difference you are making, but this parent told me, and for the first time I truly felt like I was making a difference!

That single moment set the tone for the rest of my afternoon/evening. Not only was I appreciative for the parents feedback, but I felt like God was answering my prayers. Sometimes this job can be very thank-less. All of the hours that are put in mostly go un-noticed (or at least to us teachers they do.) A few conferences down the road, I start out like any other normal conference and when I am talking about the behavior, and show the grades, the mom is crying and the dad has tears in his eyes. I immediately thought "OH NO!! She is MAD!!!" But they told me that their child is the happiest he has been in years and that those are the best grades he has had in years. 10 minutes later, the boy walks in with a huge smile on his face bringing me 2 books from the book fair that were on my wish list. :o)

I know I am tooting my own horn here, but I was at the point of exhaustion and seeing very little in the way of signs of appreciation, that I was doing ok, or that I was giving my students what they need.

I have done a complete 180 from last night and am so thankful that God does answer prayers. Yes I am bragging on myself, but I was in need of some validation because I am exhausted, and this is what I need to move on to the next quarter.

I can rest easy tonight knowing that not only am I doing what I absolutely LOVE to do, maybe I am making a difference.....hopefully an ever-lasting one.

5 more tomorrow...then I get to go to Orlando!! Yippeeee!!