Is it Monday yet?

The majority of the time, teachers and students find themselves asking "Is it Friday yet?" in anticipation of the weekend for resting and enjoying time away from one another.

Well, I feel quite the opposite... I'm not sure if I am in the honey-moon stage of teaching or if this feeling will wear off, but for now I will relish in it!

Here's some thoughts on this past Friday...

As I high-fived and hugged the students on their way out the door on Friday, I couldn't help but acknowledge the part of my heart that felt a little sad. While in the sense of preparation, there is some relief knowing I have a few days to prepare and get set for the coming week, but in another sense, I feel like a deflating balloon, knowing I won't get to see the students for a whole weekend! I know it sounds funny, but that is truly how I'm feeling. (Perhaps I am feeling that way especially because it is a long weekend, as Kosovo Independence day is on Monday so we do not have school.)

My favorite thing to do every morning between the 7:45 and 8:00am bells is stand at a door that all students enter through in the morning and give them handshakes or hugs, asking how their rest was, and reminding them that "today is a good day to have a great day!" It's such a joy to share smiles with them in the mornings and anticipate what challenges and victories that day holds and be comforted and confident that the day is held by the One Whose power lives inside of me!

With the uniqueness of my role, I have the privilege of knowing almost all of the students in the school. On Friday in particular I noticed that the students are continually opening up more to me (especially the high schoolers) and feel comfortable to initiate a conversation or hug. This is an encouragement to me and I feel honored to be a recipient of their affection.

On this Friday, it being Valentine's Day, I felt a little more love than usual.

As the mob of beaming 7th grade boys came running up to me at the end of the day, they handed me a stack of valentines accompanied by a melodious "HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!" As I read the sweet messages in the valentines I received, my heart grinned along with my cheeks. I thanked boys individually for their kind words to which they replied (something like) "We really appreciate you Miss Michalski and we just want you to know how much we appreciate you. You also let us give you hugs and hug us too and that's so nice! So... thanks!"

Perhaps now you understand a bit more of why these students are hard to leave for a few days!! I already dread the day that I will need to say goodbye to them.

I am filled with so much thankfulness to God for continuing to grow compassion in me for each of these students as the days pass by. It is a true blessing to love on them and be loved by them. Their sweet words of encouragement and endless hugs mean so much and I am so underserving of their kindness.

Thank you, God! You are the Giver of good gifts!