Pure Joy!

We are only 4 days into school and the To-Do list is growing by the moment. I am now making lists to read the other lists. In the midst of the chaos, meetings, and organizing required at the beginning of the year, I took time to take it all in. Granted, it took me literally getting run over by one of my kiddos during our sensory integration on the playground, but I realized something quite profound. We work and work and work, not for the sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Rather, we work to experience PURE JOY within our kids, regardless of what it takes. Today, I had one of those moments that made me stop and think of why I am thankful that I did indeed “check the box” to teach special education. I watched a child who is non-verbal experience pure joy in his own way and I considered what string of thoughts ran through his mind: YES! They finally get me?! I love this wagon!? I like the way this feels. I immediately begin to wonder if these are thoughts he often has and does not even know where to begin with expressing his ideas, thoughts, emotions, etc. But in that small window of time, his gleeful smile and infectious laughter was the most meaningful means of communication in the world. So for today, I will be proud of what I did cross off of my To-Do list, but mostly I am thankful for the PURE JOY I am fortunate enough to witness daily through the eyes of my students.

Word for Today: JOY :)