I Wonder

Why did I choose to go into the field of education?

I often ponder this question and find it a little bit odd that I chose a job where there is (on a daily basis) uncompleted work, work to take home, emotional stress, extra-curricular activities, chatty children, messes, and often times, chaos.

As I sit today at my desk at Terra Gardens, I hear the sounds of vehicles passing by and co-workers talking quietly in the background. Sitting in the same chair for the majority of the day, I answer phones and direct customers accordingly. My desk is neatly organized and there are no piles of unfinished work; tonight when I go home, I won't be thinking about my work for tomorrow or feel stress from my day.

I like order. I like "to-do" lists. I like neat.

All of which teaching is not.

But, when I think back on the four years that I was blessed to have a job teaching 5 & 6 year olds...I smile. And I remember the hugs and the laughs and the hilarious words that would come out of their mouths.

I remember the looks on their faces when they would have an "Ah-ha" moment and I remember how much they learned over the course of one school year.

Looking back, it didn't matter if my desk was constantly cluttered, there were paper towels scattered on the bathroom floor, I spent sleepless nights wondering if the kids were okay or if my lesson plan for the next day would be effective.

I guess that God just helped me to see the important part of my job and not just the stuff that made me feel good to accomplish.

So, I guess it is not really a question at all. I know why I chose to enter the field of teaching and I am grateful for every minute that I spent in that cluttered, smelly, loud, chaotic classroom. It was all worth it. :)