Before school started I’ll admit I was a little stressed at times.  I’m a planner.  And, 2020 is not to be planned!  My answer to everything seemed to be, “I’m not sure.” 

How are you going to deal with the masks?  I’m not sure.  How many students are going to do virtual instead of in-person?  I’m not sure.  Do you think we will be in school long?  I’m not sure.  How many students can I fit in my room 6 feet apart?  I’m not sure.  What are you teaching?  I had an idea, but now, I’m not sure.

Thankfully, I have answers to some of those questions.  And, there are questions that I am still not sure of the answer.  However, with all the crazy going on, I can tell you there are some things I am very sure!

• There is joy is being back in school.  Even in the unknown, the enthusiasm was electric during the first days of school!  Seeing  smiling eyes despite masks, trying to dodge squeezes that came all too quickly despite the social distancing, listening to giggles despite the concerns, all felt so good.  My heart was full. All. Day. Long. Each. Day.

• There is love in friendship.  I have the best friends;  I hope you do too.   In the last few weeks my friends and I have confessed concerns and frustrations over COVID guidelines, and  we’ve cussed the news together. My friends have been there for me through the sorrow of my father’s passing and in the excitement of my daughter’s engagement.  They have shared stories, sweets, and wine, and they’ve made me laugh till I pee my pants. All in love, lots of it!

• There is promise in each other.  I’ve leaned on my family and friends for support, distraction, and rest.   I’ve leaned on my colleagues for assistance with new policies and plans.  I’ve leaned on people I trust to speak truth to me.  No matter how strong we are, how independent we are, we need each other.  There will always be seasons of struggle, seasons of sorrow, seasons of contentment.  We were never meant to experience any of it alone.  Even though we may not know what the future holds, knowing we have each other should give us some reassurance that it’s going to be alright!

So, as I begin a new week, I feel a sense of peace. A gift from God. Of course, there are still things I am unsure of, but so thankful for these things of which I am sure.  I pray that you are at peace and blessed this week as well.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”    Philippians 4:6-7