today's grace

came surprisingly, as perhaps it always does. a day when i felt the dark cloud of poor decision hanging over me. a guilt hangover? i had a pounding head as evidence. yet, so much grace found me today. and yes, i know undeserving defines grace and mercy. but still, like a little girl shy to look her dad in the eye when he offers a hug after she's fallen off her bike, i hesitate. embarrassed and unsure, i question forgiveness for a while. and for that pitiful reception of love, i am offered gifts i don't deserve but welcome with open eyes.

first, i discovered a petition on my desk (in the form of a letter with relatively good rationale), written by ben and signed by every student, requesting a morning recess. i found grace in that there was a lack of repetitive requests at the beginning of class. could it be that they are learning that i don't respond to clamor or shameless begging? claiming democratic process and the power of written word- i acquiesced.

at that very recess, maddie asked me to play kickball with the girls. when playing 3rd base i had to run for ball after ball, so she offered to trade spots with me. relief! we had a blast and i got a bit of fresh air and exercise.

unexpectedly another teacher commended my student joe for exceptional participation in a character education class. i usually get the opposite type of comment. a good day amidst many difficult ones for him this week (this year). later joe pulled me aside and proposed a meeting between himself, his dad and me regarding making a new goal regarding his behavior. will wonders never cease?

this friday afternoon in april i expected the highly contagious spring fever to spread among my 6th grade class, but no, instead the day proved calm, enjoyable and focused. we found our storm as we began homer's odyssey with odysseus facing poseidon and his trident in the crest of a wave...

and just before the day came to a close, sarah's mom brought three miniature schnauzer puppies to show the class. those 5 week old little pups received an outpouring of affection from my adoring class. i loved watching some of the boys whose emotions usually lie hidden beneath the surface cuddling the curly haired pups with grins on their faces. grace again.

and then as if enough grace had not already been given, scott met me for coffee at the end of this long day, offering to drive the distance to meet me at school if needed, simply to give me a hug. grace with skin on met me, listened and spoke to my soul.

more than enough.
thank you Father.