There are definite pros and cons for working in education. Obviously, teachers do not get paid as much as they deserve. The hours can be brutal. Teachers come in to work at least a half an hour before school starts and often do not leave until after 4pm. And I'm sure there are more cons to teaching, but this post is not meant to be a time of complaining about my job.
I could think of more pros to teaching. I know I am a first year teacher, but I just love my job so much. It is so rewarding being a teacher. I love seeing the looks on kids faces when they finally grasp a new concept. I love reading from a children's novel in funny voices completely shocking the kids and sending them into a fit of giggles. I love the hugs, the drawings, and the starbucks cards around the holidays. :o)
I am so thankful that I love my job. God has blessed me so much. Another perk of teaching is the vacation time. Not many people get the summer, 2-3 weeks at Christmas and a week off in the spring. What a huge blessing. I guess that helps make up for the long hours.
I have to say that I was in desperate need of the Easter Break we just had. The week off was wonderful! I was feeling a little burnt out. It is interesting to see how the Lord knows when I need a little break. He provided that week off just when I needed it.
About a month ago my mom got a call from my Grandma that my Grandpa was in the hospital with congestive heart failure. It was quite a big scare for all of us. Grandpa is getting old and he hasn't had the best health in the past several years. Right away we were trying to figure out when the family, or at least my mom, could fly out to Wisconsin to be near my Grandparents. We couldn't go right away, but Easter break was just around the corner and we thought it was the best time. 
Thankfully our entire family was able to go. We had a great time with my grandparents. Of course, to them Danika was the best part of our visit. They thought she was just wonderful. And who can argue. :o) The last time they had seen her she wasn't even crawling and now she is practically running. We were able to help them around the house, visit with my mom's cousins and aunts, and just relax. 
Because my grandparents live so far away we don't get to see them very often. So it was really nice to just be around. Julie had fun learning some new recipes from my Grandma (which were delicious). Mom, Julie, and I went with my Grandma to Bingo at the little senior center in the area. The people were so excited that we came. It was sweet. My grandpa gave each of us a dollar in nickels. They didn't last too long. We played several games and I lost every one. I had to get a loan from my Grandma who won at least 4 games. :o) But win or lose it was a fun time. I'm so thankful for the time we were able to spend there. 
Today was the first day back at school. I was so excited to be back. I missed the Kindergarteners. Even the challenging ones. :o) I feel very revived and ready to keep going. So I guess I should be getting to work on my lesson plans instead of spending time writing this post.
Thank You, Father, for the time you gave me to relax.
I praise you for taking care of my family as we traveled
and my Grandparents as they are far away.
Thank You for the job you have given to me
and the love I have for this job.
Help me to glorify You in all I do at work.
Give my wisdom and patience as I work with
the kids for the next 6 weeks. Thank You for being
such a loving and gracious God.
Amen.
