School 

“One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai.

How can a person change another person’s life? These two sweet birds, Brynleigh and Bayleigh, were buzzing around trying to get ready for their first day of second grade. This was a big deal to them. As they approached their classroom, Brynleigh noticed this gorgeous colorful bouquet of flowers and decided to perch on a nearby cloud to rest and take a longer look. Bayleigh also stopped and enjoyed looking at all the bright colors. Brynleigh and Bayleigh are excited for the beginning of second grade.

I wonder what their new teachers were thinking as these birds flew around admiring the bouquet. Were their teachers wondering what the little ones would be like? What kind of home had they come from? How involved would their parents be? What were their needs? Where should the focus be – numbers, letters, reading, arts? Would they be the next innovator or the next president?

As I pondered this while worrying just a bit about our beautiful granddaughters, Brynleigh and Bayleigh, I reached out to our niece, Emily, an educator. Emily teaches what is called Begindergarten in South Dakota. I asked her what the beginning of school was like each year. Emily replied, “A new school year is exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. There is the excitement of the new students, new supplies, and a fresh start. As a teacher and parent, there are the million checklists – did I spell each students’ name correctly, do my own kids have everything they need – clothes and supplies and encouragement from home, have we given the reminder on the importance of being a good friend and helping others, and on and on. All the thoughts and new routines are exciting yet also exhausting, but at the end of the day, my hope with a new school year is that each child I have an influence on, whether it’s my own three kids or someone else’s, knows without a doubt they are cared for and loved.”

The world owes a debt of gratitude to all the teachers who make a positive change in these young people’s lives. Here’s to a successful school year of learning and growing while always taking time to notice the beautiful flowers along the way. 🌺🏁🌺