Last week I started the character assembly school year off. I love the opportunities I have to invest in children all over my community. I crunched the number of students I work with in a month-about 1400! I am in awe of this. You never know where the journey will take you.But I don't remember what it feels like not to be tired...there is always more to do. Another topic needs developed. A better story needs written. The science experiments need tweaked. Another school needs contacted. I want to read my bible and pray. I need to work out. I need to do some laundry. My refrigerator is empty. I want to spend some time with my friends. You know how this goes!
I started carving out my days to look like they need to instead of how I want them to look. It's a huge discipline! I'm not wired this way! My mom is the queen of lists. For holiday dinners, she uses lined index cards for each part of the event so she doesn't forget anything....but if I want to make the best of each day and find rest at the end of it....
I would liken this process to the carving of my pumpkin. First, I attempt to draw an outline on the exterior of the pumpkin. It's a little tricky because of the contour of the pumpkin but thankfully I'm going to chop all of that off anyways! Then you begin with the top, trying to get the lid off so you can get the guts out of your creation. It takes a moment to remove what doesn't belong, but I get it done. I might gag a little because I don't like the slimy stuff, but I throw it away as soon as I can, never to be seen again. Next, I get my knife and attempt to create a piece of art unlike any I have ever seen. I have to re angle the knife to get the cut just right. The pumpkin slides aways from me because I lose my grip, but I get my bearings again. At the end of the process, I remember it's just a pumpkin. It's not the end of the world! All I can do is my best and try again next time.
I'm going to keep working at the discipline of being the me I am supposed to be.
