Look For The Helpers...

Today is the last day of work for me in 2012. At my school, we'll round out the year by giving all 433 of our scholars a holiday gift and sending them off for a much-need two week break. Seeing the looks on their faces as they receive their gifts will be beautiful and precious and absolutely wonderful.

But this week was rough.

Between our holiday performances and finishing off the year strong, I worked long, long days. (And last week too.) From 7am until 8pm most days. And then there's this thing called single motherhood. Aiden is such a trooper and even stayed at work with me until 8pm one night. (Not that he had a choice in the matter.)

I'm tired.

But, in the midst of it all, I'm continuing to remind myself that it's not only about me.

(Don't get me wrong, sometimes it is about me. And I'll be the first person to advocate taking time for yourself and doing something that you enjoy. Guilt-free. Because, you can't take care of others until you take care of yourself first.)

But, there is a bigger picture. Life is bigger than me. My purpose and my mission is bigger than me. Being a blessing to someone else and being a helper requires me to look outside of myself. (Which is why I continue to share my story on this corner of the Internet.)

It's about my son. And seeing the look on his face when one of the elves delivered an early gift and a note from Santa... just for him.

It's about Aiden's holiday performance and his chance to showcase what he's been working on in music class.

{Aiden's on the far left}

It's about the scholars that I serve everyday. And being there for them as they showcase all that they've learned in Performing Arts this semester. (Their performance was so good! There was standing-room only the night of their show.)

{3rd grade scholars}

{4th grade scholars}

It's about my more challenging scholars, who, really and truly, need more love and support from their teachers and administration to keep 'em on task.

This is about more than just me. And my actions affects more than just me.

So yes, I'm tired.

But I'm also encouraged. Everyday, I'm encouraged. To do more to help. To go from good to great. To be a helper...

What about you?