The Goodbye that was taken...

It was supposed to be a week of excitement, I mean what teacher or child doesn't get full moon crazy before a week off?! Oh wait, there was a full moon...and it was Friday the 13th...But, I digress. These were supposed to be happy days people!! HAPPY. DAYS. Honestly for all intents and purposes they were. News was swirling but we were optimistic. When that last Friday arrived we packed up ,and I said "Bye, babies! See you soon!!" In turn, one of my sweet girls said " Mrs. Jewell see you the Monday after Spring Break!" When she said those words my stomach wasn't supposed to lurch. But it did. I knew something unthinkable was coming, it must have been the Holy Spirit flip flopping my belly like the drop on a rollercoaster. Jesus knew... he knew this was it. My heart aches with regret not scooping all those kids up one by one and loving each one of them. I should have told each one of them how stinking amazing they all are! All 23 of them.14 Boys, 9 girls. No one could have prepared me for a year that has had so many twists and turns. 2020 has cut me to my very core. So in the rare quiet moment in an empty classroom I hear that voice. But Jesus........BUT JESUS. These two words change literally everything. His continued power in and through me is what keeps me looking in a forward direction. In light of that God given grace, I'm learning how to use the goodbye that was taken and turning it into a chance for real unforgettable connections in this season. So what are you going to be remembered for? You either make a difference or you cause damage. You can be a comfort or you cause more pain. So today if you are an educator, what choice are you making? Is it compliance or compassion?

“This year has cut me to my very core... But JESUS.”

How can I make a genuine difference in the lives of children?

I want you to consider this one powerful word. CONNECTION. It is the root of everything good in the life of a child. If you want to make a real difference - find ways to connect with kids. This can be achieved in a multitude of ways . During this virtual time physical connection is not an option for children that aren't our own so let me offer you a few suggestions. Hand written letters, virtual chats on Zoom ( cozy chats, wear a cozy robe or blanket and let kids pick the topic of discussion) or delivering a small gift to a front porch means the difference between pushing through another day; or breaking apart in the wake of this massive change. Effective educators and mentoring adults can make or break the mind and heart of a child. Educator or not, what can you do this week to connect with a child?.