Nana’s Day Off
Anyone who works as an educator knows that there are misguided people out there who think that teachers have cushy hours, easy jobs and long vacations. Anyone who believes that needs to trade jobs with a teacher for a couple of months. It’s a hard job, and getting more difficult all the time.
Today was President’s Day and normally we have to work, but today schools were closed. Here’s how my day “off” went:
Up at 8 a.m. and off to Glasgow for an errand. Back home to play with the GRANDdaughter and clean house.
Changed beds, got caught up on laundry. Sorted and cleaned out closets. Played “hide and seek.” Loaded, unloaded dishwasher. Swept and emptied trashcans. Fixed the GRANDdaughter lunch. Ran her bathwater. Helped her wash her hair and made sure she brushed her teeth. Walked dogs. Did more laundry and started supper.
Husband comes home from work.
“How was your day off?” he asks. I smiled, but didn’t answer.
Off? Really?
Then I remembered the following poem.
Approaching Each Day
By: Author Unknown
I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don’t have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn’t give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new job relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to go to!
Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with knowledge and adventure.
Today I can dejectedly murmur because I have housework to do or I can feel grateful for shelter for my mind, body and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped, and here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to me. And I shall decide what kind of day I shall have!”
How will you live THIS DAY?
The author of this poem has a good point. I did have a great day off! Thank you God for the privilege of spending time with my granddaughter, cleaning my home and caring for my family! The bigger the mess….the more I am blessed!
