Sometimes...

Sometimes you spend hours preparing a lesson plan that doesn't work out. Sometimes you wing it, and it's the best class ever. Sometimes you tutor a student before school all semester only to see them continue to struggle with material. Sometimes you can't wait for a specific class to walk through your door. Sometimes you grade essays and your students show you a new perspective on a book you've read hundreds of times. Sometimes you grade a test and wonder if anyone was paying attention. Sometimes you overhear your students arguing about a concept on their own before class starts. Sometimes you ask a student if they're alright, and their eyes fill with tears. Sometimes you don't know the answer. Sometimes you see a Senior who you taught as a Freshman and they're so grown up, you wonder if it's the same kid. Sometimes you wake up concerned for students. Sometimes you pray for patience and guidance. Sometimes you wonder if teaching is really "it" for you. Sometimes when you think you have no more to give, a simple act of gratitude from a student gives you all you need. Sometimes you hear your colleagues teaching and realize you're in really good company. Sometimes you look back on all of the classes and students and realize that you've been a significant part of so many people's lives. Sometimes you realize that you're getting more out of teaching than you thought you would. At some point you find God in all of it--in the big moments, but mostly in the daily practices--in your devotion to your subject and to your students; in your regular commitment to service; in your creativity; in choosing to really see your students; in the difference that you make each day.