Love and mushy stuff.

Well, it's just about the end of my 27th Valentine's Day, and I have to say it was quite uneventful, as the majority of those 27 have been. Aside from Valentine's Day ten years ago when I was asked to Senior Prom by one of my best guy friends at the time (in a really awesome way that I'll never forget - ask me sometime & I'll share the story), I've never had a very exciting or memorable Valentine's Day.

This weekend marked a very memorable time for me, however, and I have to say, this Valentine's Day has quickly rose to the top of my "favorite's" list.

Today concluded a long weekend spent at the beach with my family (parents, both siblings, aunt and uncle)...sort of our own little family reunion. My sister is in town from Poultney, Vermont (Google it, it's small) and the family all gathered to enjoy some R&R together. It has been wonderful spending time with her after many months apart.

While enjoying our family's vacation home on the Northern Oregon Coast, my brother, sister, and I all found ourselves basking in the simple joy of just being together. The three of us are fairly close in age (30, 29, 27) and over the years have grown considerably more fond of each other than we were when we were 10, 9, and 7. Blame it on the mushy holiday feelings, or the hours spent playing Wii, or the close quarters for lodging, but I felt a sense of utter joy during my time with my siblings this weekend that I haven't felt in a long time.

We shared many laughs, a few scowls, heartfelt conversations, and even a few hugs (despite my brother's preferences). We took some family pictures, watched a few storms roll through, and ate homemade waffles while standing around the kitchen grinning at each other. It was a very special weekend, one that I won't soon forget. It was the kind that goes in your mental scrapbook for years to come. Someday down the line we'll pull out one of those "...Remember that weekend at the beach..." stories and we'll howl with laughter much like we did this weekend.

I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed our family with that coastal home in which we have built memories. I am thankful for a big brother who still pretends he is going to poke my stomach just to see me flinch. I am thankful for a big sister who still knows how to drive me crazy as we navigate a video game together. I am thankful for my mom and step dad who work hard to provide for us as a family unit and who raised us to love each other despite our flaws. I am thankful for the time we shared this weekend, for the memories we made, and for the bonds that were strengthened.

This weekend showed me what Valentine's Day is really all about. Forget the flowers, chocolates, cards, romantic wishes and jewelry commercials. Valentine's Day is about being with those you love, and expressing that love to each other in a real and tangible way. I hope that wherever you are tonight, you were able to share this Valentine's Day with someone you love in some form or fashion.

I love what I do.

Well, so much for my goal of a weekly post. I managed to get four good posts in the first two weeks and then have failed to post anything in over three weeks. Oh well, I guess I'll pick back up and keep on going. :)

I have to say I'm a little surprised at some of the feedback I've gotten with this blog from friends and family. People are actually reading my words and walking along side of me. It's a pretty cool feeling.

Life lately has been pretty busy. School is hectic with my kiddos, trying to impart as much knowledge as I can in the short time I have them each day while also providing them a safe place to share their hearts and be encouraged. Sometimes it is tough to do it all in an hour and three minutes. Regardless, I so deeply value my time with my students each day. The crazy part is, I think they enjoy their time with me, too. I've been told by students, parents, and counselors that many students declare my class their favorite. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but consider that I teach math. To middle schoolers. In reality, it is a huge accomplishment that I am considered a favorite teacher and that kids are actually enjoying math (for some this is the first time in their short little lives they're enjoying the subject).

Not that I am tooting my own horn, but I've begun to realize that it is okay to accept this appreciation, praise, and the occasional pat on the back. At first it felt weird to be appreciative and accept this praise without trying to deflect or redirect the attention. Then, I realized that it's okay to know that I'm good at what I do. Not because I am so awesome (but I am pretty awesome...) but rather that because God is awesome and He is at work through me. God created me to be a teacher, He gave me the skill set, and He put me where I am to make a difference.

It is pretty profound to realize that every day I am in direct contact with 113 middle school students ranging from 11-13 years old while they are in my classes, and that these students are able to experience a little bit of the light of Jesus for an hour and three minutes a day. That right there is enough to make me satisfied with my day, but then to add on top of it that I get to build relationships with each student and I get to be partially responsible for their future by imparting knowledge about volume, surface area, algebra and more...well, I'd say I'm pretty blessed.

My job allows me to do what I love and get paid for it. It hasn't always been this way, I worked a few miserable jobs before figuring out exactly where God had created me to be. But being here now, in my sweet spot if you will, is pretty magnificent. Sure I work 10-12 hour days most days, I get paid minimally in comparison to other people with the same level of education etc, I am constantly criticized by the public for failures of the education system that are somewhat out of my control, and what I do is incredibly difficult, but it is absolutely worth it.

It is worth it to have those "light bulb" moments with my students where they finally figure something out. It is worth it to share a laugh with them, or provide an understanding ear for their concerns and burdens. It is worth it to know that I am making a difference for the Kingdom of God and also for the future of our community.

I love what I do. I know I'm very blessed and lucky to be able to say that, because millions of people report to jobs they hate every day. My prayer tonight is for those who feel stuck or unhappy in their job. That prayer is that they would see why God has them where they are, that His purposes would be revealed, and that He might be glorified even in the tough spots.

Speaking of that job I love...it has an early call hour, so I must get to bed. Until next time...