You never know who's looking...

Today I had the pleasure of going to church at the Gables. It is a retirement facility near our home, and our ward does a little sacrament meeting for the people who live there.

Our young women were invited to sing at the Gables, after having also sung in our own sacrament meeting. It is only the second time I have been there since my grandma passed away.

After we sung our little primary song--which was very touching, a few of the residents were mouthing the words while we sang--a woman from the ward stood to speak to those in attendance.

Her talk was based on how much of an influence every single one of them had been in her life. She named them individually by name and said specific things about each one. She talked about how loved they were by their families, what an example they had been to her in her own life. She named specific character traits each one has that makes them special to HER.

The spirit was amazing, but the thing that struck me most was that probably every single one of them had been just living their lives. They are just like me, going to the store, working in a job, running businesses, taking care of their families, working in different church organizations, etc. I would bet that not one of them would think they would have any kind of important influence on anyone outside of their families. BUT, they all clearly had. She had been influenced by them all. One lady cried when Joyce talked about how she had been there for [Joyce's] sister who had had a hard life. She said that this woman had done everything in her power to quietly make Joyce's sister's life a little more bearable.

I know I am a watcher. I look for people doing good, and it inspires me. I am encouraged by good people in my life. I feel blessed to be able to know, work with, and be friends with some of the best in the world....BUT, her implication was that people may be watching ME. WOW. That was a powerful bit of information to me today. I have always known it, but it came in a different way to me today.

Today, I realized a responsibility I have...I hope I can live up to it.

New School, New Year

OK, so at the end of last school year I made one of the hardest decisions of my educational career. I would even say it was one of the hardest of my life. I knew I couldn't work as far away from home--OK, I know it was only 7 miles--but in the winter, the drive was scary. Since we have more winter months of school that nicer driving months, I felt a change was necessary. I applied for and was hired to work at a school very near my home.

I spent most of the summer wondering if I could have waited a few years, and thinking if it was the best decision for me and my family. I felt over-whelmed and scared thinking I would have to 'start over' with a new school family. Plus, I LOVED the Groveland staff. They were like sisters to me. The students and their families were amazing, and I knew how much I would miss them.

When school first started, everything felt wrong. I felt I had a difficult class, I couldn't figure out scheduling, I was insecure about what I had to share with the other teachers, and I felt I just didn't 'fit.'

Tonight, I feel differently. I have found great parents who think I am not as bad as I thought I was, students who I genuinely WANT to see everyday, and new relationships with staff that are fun and engaging.

The thing is, the feeling I should change schools wasn't something I really wanted to do, but more something I felt like I NEEDED to do, like I was guided there. Its hard to make changes in life--especially when things feel secure and comfy. However, smart changes made from following the guidance of the Spirit always turn out well. Always.

For a month I have come home every day with a smile on my heart after dealing with these fabulous and fun students. I am growing as a teacher, and loving every minute of it.

I can't wait for tomorrow!