Shout Out to all the Teacher Moms out there!!! 

Yes, I know there is Teacher Appreciation Week.  The delicious lunches, the yummy candy, the sweet notes.  That was always fun; I admit I always enjoyed extra kindness.

And, I know there is Mother’s Day.  The spring flowers, the thoughtful gifts, the intentional time with family.  That is treasured time; I do love spoiling loved ones and being spoiled myself.

But May is the month of all the things.

For teachers, there are projects and testing and end-of-the-year grades. 

There are field trips and programs and graduations and dances and handing back all the things.  There are the duties of coaching, coordinating, chaperoning, and volunteering.  

There are goodbyes, not only to students, but sometimes to positions, to curriculum, to reports, and to rooms. 

There are new positions, new people, new procedures, additional lists and extra considerations to welcome. 

And, so much more.

Even in the joy and the fun, there are stressful moments.

Some are refreshing, most are overwhelming.  Emotions range from tired to excited to anxious to concern to sad to thrilled to just over it.

For moms, there are also projects and homework help and lost books. 

There are permission slips, money, and t-shirts.

There are trips, programs, and experiences not to be missed. 

There are dances and proms and graduation and outfits for all. 

There are sports and activities, practices, and more money for the “stuff”.  

There are schedules to keep, family to pacify, summer events to plan. 

There are late nights, early mornings, busy weekends, some sunshine, some rain, some smiles, some tears.

And, so much more.

Even in the love and the blessings, there is tension.

Emotions range from weary to eager to worry to apprehension to trying to keep it all together. 

(And, add an additional “what am I supposed to do now” for the moms of graduates.)

Living in one of these worlds during this time of year is a lot. 

But for the Teacher Moms, these two worlds not only merge, they collide! 

So much to do, so much to remember, so much to feel.

So little time, so little patience, so little sleep.

Living in the moment.  Remembering days past. Looking forward to the future.

Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel is hundreds of miles long.  Every day.  Until. The. Last. Day. Of. School.

So, teachers, we see you! And, moms, we see you!

But teacher moms, we see you, we feel you, we pray for you!

Those of us who are you… Those of us who have been you…

Those of us who need you, who appreciate you, who love you…

We know your heart. We know your worth. We know your exhaustion. We know your resolve.

Fight the good fight.  Keep up with all the things. Drink the coffee. Eat the chocolate. Sleep when you can. Day by Day. Hour by hour. You got this!

Your responsibility as mom is important; your work as a teacher is esteemed. You are making a difference.  Even if you are tired. Even if you are a little cranky. Continue to focus on producing fruit, even in the struggle.  It’s all worth it! We’re almost there!

If you know a teacher mom, share some love in the coming days! 

And, join me in praying for all as we finish the school year strong!

“Let us not become weary in doing good…”  Galatians 6:9 (NIV)