Lately, I’ve found myself feeling a bit discouraged, even weary, doing my job. Teaching today looks so different from when I first started 25 years ago. The kids are still amazing. They are full of energy and heart. However, many of them carry emotional burdens. They have stories of trauma that no child should ever have to endure. It’s hard not to carry that weight home sometimes, and this week, it felt especially heavy.
Then, two small, beautiful somethings happened.
A couple days ago, I was given a birthday card a student had made me. It was “a little late” they said with an apologetic smile. (My birthday was a couple of weeks ago.). Honestly, I wasn’t expecting anything. As I read the words printed on the back, I realized it was exactly what I needed. It was like the universe whispered, “Keep going. You’re making a difference, even when it doesn’t feel like it.”
Then today, I was gifted a drink from our local nutrition place with the sweet note above.
Wowzers! Funny how encouragement doesn’t always arrive on schedule. Sometimes it shows up a little late — but also right on time. There will be those days, but I have to keep smiling and moving forward. I’ve got this!
Once Upon a Mattox 
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