I believe there is a reason for what happens within my life; that God, the universe, or some other power works to direct my next steps. Professionally as the hiring season is starting to kick into swing I needed to make a decision…do I stay or do I go.
You see, this is the fourth year at my current school. When I was hired I told my principal I intended to stay for at least three years (I had to get my daughter through high school – which will be the topic for another post soon). I am also a pretty firm believer that change is good and sometimes the only way to change is by changing schools; in order to experience new cultures, teachers, students, families, and learning.
Prior to my current position, I worked at a school for nine years. During those nine years, I spent the last three years working to obtain another position within the district. I was not happy and I really needed a change. While I couldn’t see it at the time God was working to keep me at that school.
The young man next to me is one of the biggest brightest lights in my life. I was blessed to have this beautiful soul at that school for eight of those nine years. For six of those eight years, I worked directly with and learned from him and his family. While his parents’ boast about all I did to support and teach their son I really feel as the sentiment should be reversed. He taught me so much about love, understanding, and attitude to keep going.
I am lucky to continue to be a part of his life to see him grow into a thriving young adult. I tease his family that I am the “crazy” aunt and they can’t get rid of me now. I can look back on those years that I tried to move to another school and see that God was working to keep me in this child’s life and to see him through his elementary years. In March of his sixth-grade year, I applied for another job, was interviewed and called that night with the job offer.
Fast forward four years later and I’m wondering what is my next step. This has been a very trying year at my current school. There seems to be a “black cloud” hanging over the school; which is affecting the culture, staff, and most of all students. Again, there is a stronger power at work within me and I really have not been affected by the negative energy the “black cloud” seems to have over our school.
Recently, while driving to school thinking about next steps it hit me…I have more. I’m not sure what the more is, but I knew at that moment I have more to do and give at this school. I will be staying at least one more year. At some point, the more will be brought to light. For now, I’m okay with just knowing…I have more.
The beautiful woman in the black and white photo is my maternal Grandmother; NaNa – Dorthy Marie. NaNa left this physical earth almost 30 years ago, while she may not be a part of my physical life she is defiantly a part of my social-emotional and spiritual life! However, I also realize as I continue to age I physically resemble this lady I love so much – right down to the crooked grin. NaNa is my inspiration for my thoughts today and part of my #oneword2018 RESTORE.