Not Enough

The first few days of school I was missing the routines of the classroom.  I was sentimental about leaving the relationships that you build with students as a classroom teacher.  I was nervous about not having a clear expectations from administration.  I was worried about not being able to meet expectations of which I was unaware.  I lay awake at night.

Since I realized that I am not even close to enough for all that my students need or that my colleagues need I prayed and laid it all on God. 

Now I am just running and praying.  Running to learn about my caseload of students and praying to remember what they need in each moment.  Running to herd kindergartens inside after recess and praying that they will adjust to the routines soon.  Running to find resources and strategies for classroom teachers and praying that they will enjoy success in working with their students.  Running to meet with parents and administration and praying that we will be a team to serve the needs of their children.  Running to set up schedules.  And then change them.  And change them again and praying that the schedules will be right sometime in the next week.  Running to get responses quickly and accurately and that the words on the paper will be honest and loving.  And there is no time to worry or be anxious.  There is just trusting that God will be enough and use my hands and feet for serving the community that he loves.

It is exciting and fun, and there is a new adventure around every corner.  And even though there are many moments of absolute terror that I still won't be enough, it is wonderful!

Not Made for Walking

I am not always a practical woman.  Well, actually I am rarely a practical woman.  And this week I paid for it in pain.

After two months of living in sandals, bare feet, and wedges my feet have gotten used to being footloose and fancy free.  And I thoughtlessly tired them up in my prettiest, but least comfortable pumps the first three days of school.

Oh, what foolishness!

Well, the first week of school my feet always complain about how much time I spend on them regardless of the footwear I choose.  They are most unhappy about being sentenced to closed toes for the fall and winter.  And this fall adding insult to injury I didn't give them a gentle adjustment period, but went straight for the highest heels three days in a row.

I spent Wednesday night with my feet elevated, icing my left ankle.  And then the rest of the week was spent in flats.

This weekend I am researching pretty options for lower heels or amazing flats.  They just don't have the same boost to my self-esteem as 3-inch heels though, and so I am a bit mopey. Oh for mile-long legs.