This coming week marks the North Carolina End of Grade Testing period for my personal children and my students. One year ago...I allowed these tests to alter my personality and make me an unhappy, ungrateful, sad, sad person. It was miserable and honestly took me about six weeks to shake that thing... that I must now admit was likely depression. I hated myself for not doing enough on any level for kids that I love so much (dispite giving EVERYTHING I HAD). I hated the tests for torturing my loves and for teaching them that hard work really is not enough. I hated everything and most everyone. This was not good....
This year... I have worked diligently using my husband's advice "start like you are going to finish". I have worked with my own children on any "red flag" issues and provided extra help for my students at any given chance. I have had a healthy attitude about the tests and focused on the belief that we are ALL good enough... right now.. right now.. RIGHT NOW!! WE will never be perfect... you can't even score a 100% so let's just do this thing and see what happens.
Do not mistake my new attitude for apathy or a lack of seriousness!! I, dear ones, and simply trying to achieve balance and help the ones I love most realize that THEY are masterpieces!! They are good enough.... and in the words of Bruno Marz..." I love (them) just the way they are".
Prayers needed and appreciated this week.... God's blessings WILL be there!!
