It is the end of the school year and I find myself in the strange and wonderful world of trying to lead 7th and 8th graders to the discovery of truth. Earlier this spring, I was asked to be the long-term substitute for a Bible class and I jumped at the opportunity. I cannot express what a delight this season has been. It’s temporary and that kills me. I’m not ready to give up these students that I just met.

But also…

Goodness gracious, teachers have it rough at the end of the year. I mean, these kids are done. D-O-N-E. Summeritis has set in and students have forgotten how to student. I gave my study hall class new assigned seats today. There are three weeks left of class, and I gave them new seats. I even pulled in extra desks because my current set up didn’t put enough space between the chatty Cathy’s.

I was floating along, thinking “No, summer, stay away! Don’t take my angels!” And then we had a day. You know, a “day“. And suddenly I was ready. And my feelings about summer will rise and fall with the amount of sanity my students bring with them each day; but whether through prayers of survival or tears of premature parting, we must first survive May.

So with that, I give you May the Force Be with You, and other May blessings:

Teachers, as your students lose all sense of humanity, may the force be with you.

May your supply closet be endowed with the magic of Mary Poppins’ carpet bag. 

May your hours of sleep be equal to or greater than the number of eye-rolls you receive each day. 

May all meetings be treated as feasts, complete with chocolate or Mexican food in which you might bury your feelings. 

May your Teacher Appreciation Week by marked by the lavish gifts of students who pick up after themselves and tell you how much you’ve blessed their lives. (or at least that first part)

And may the workroom coffee flow, strong and abundant, that you might find life in its warmth. 

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In all seriousness, teaching Middle School Bible has been an incredible blessing. What an honor to teach. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, hang in there. You are doing important work. Your students may not see it and you may not feel it, but trust me, these last few weeks are a treasure.