Looking through sunglasses...

There are seconds and minutes which will stay with you forever; images that become stamped on your memory movie-reel and emerge ever so often to remind you of previous experiences. In a moment of recollection you are instantly able to remember the smells, sounds, and feelings of those experiences. Just over a year ago, I stood on the edge of a breathtaking view in Rome. I was standing with my beautiful cousin and friend, Heather. We had tummies full of gelato (a hunt that involved 100 flavors and HOURS of walking - but that's another story) and our faces were basking in the rays of a gorgeous sunset. We were both wearing sunglasses to cut the glare and this led to the discussion that the images captured with a camera never measure up to the image that we see through our sunglasses. What followed was a series of attempts take pictures with our cameras through our sunglasses... I have since learned that we were not the first to think of this ingenious idea. You are able to purchase lenses that create the same effect - who knew!
At that moment we were both on the brink of experiencing new things - for Heather it was beginning the education journey towards her dream occupation. For myself it was finishing University and beginning the transition into becoming a teacher. In that moment, however, it was impossible to feel anxiety around what was ahead. Instead, we were just present in that place and time - looking through our sunglasses.
This precious memory was triggered as I was jogging last night. I fell into pace with Jason Mraz's - I'm Yours and my eyes began to take in the beauty around me. I am blessed to live in such a gorgeous area... where the air is fresh, the roads are quiet, and the leaves are changing colour. I stopped to just take in the beautiful scene as the sun crept towards the horizon. I looked at the row of shelter trees and alternated between my natural unaltered view to that through my sunglasses. Again I was reminded of how the colours come alive through this simple lens. Fall is my favorite time of year. It is filled with such change - but instead of making me feeling sad about coming to the end, it graciously entices me into the next season.
There are many moments when I feel that seeing the reality of situations is important. Life is filled with obstacles and situations that feel raw with reality. Lately, it feels as though many of my experiences have been full of real life. Watching Grandma decline in both health and spirit makes my stomach clench and my heart sink.
But... then there are moments when I feel refreshed. Spending time with souls I love fills my heart with new colours and vibrance. Waking at dawn to slice through water that used to intimidate me. Running and feeling the strength of my legs push me forward. Sitting down at my desk to find little notes, pictures and remenants of the 26 little lives that make my one life very entertaining. All these moments together create an image. To me it is clear and full of colour that can only be seen looking through sunglasses.

Like snowflakes...

The feeling of anticipation that led up to Tuesday, the first day of school, was something foreign to me. I had butterflies in my stomache and my mind danced keeping me awake all of Monday night. Yet, as I drove to school in the morning my imagination ran wild with the possibilities that would soon fill my quiet classroom. I waited, with the excitment of a child on Christmas Eve, watching as the clock ticked away the minutes.

All at once, the echoing silence became filled with energy and personality. I met parents who's eyes said both, "Thank goodness school has finally started" and "I do not know you, yet my child will be spending most of their waking hours with you."

I also met my students at the door. I noticed that some were tentative and offered only a shy smile when I introduced myself. I wanted to whisper in their ear that I was feeling the same way...butterflies and everything! Yet, throughout the day they allowed glimpses into their personalities and I began to see the differences that make each of these chilren so unique. There was still that nervousness that is coupled with the uncertainty of a new situation - yet, we began to feel more comfortable in this space.

Over the past few days I have been bombarded with many different emotions. I have at times felt overwhelmed, frustrated, and tired. Yet, with the same breath, I have never felt more exhilarated, patient, and energized. I am surrounded by a wonderful, supportive staff and I have an angel in my room (part time). She is the Educational Assistant who works in my classroom for half of the day and without question she is truly a beautiful soul. She is able to offer both wisdom and a different perspective - above that she uses such kind words of encouragement that have the ability to calm and warm my heart. I believe that this is "the beginning of a beautiful friendship".

This is truly my passion. I understand that this may not always be true, however, I choose to be present and purposeful in this moment. I wish to pour out what I have to offer onto these precious ones and for the short time I have - believe in them, love them, and learn from them. Without a question there is nothing more rewarding than hearing from a parent that this is the first time that their child has been excited to go to school. Or to look up into 26 smiling faces and realize that they feel safe and happy in this room.

How blessed am I to awake each day and know that I am making a difference? And to see that each student is so uniquely beautiful. Like snowflakes...