Saying "I Do"

I recently (4 days ago) got married.

*I know way to ease into big news!*

And anyone that has planned a wedding or been involved in planning a wedding, knows that there are A LOT of things to figure out.  Big details, tiny details, details you forgot about, and surprises - and lots of other things in between.  Depending on your wedding and venue, you have varying levels of help and people doing things for you as well.  You also have a wedding party and lots of family who can help and support you through the entire process.

While we were planning the wedding, and even on the day of the wedding, I couldn't help but notice some parallels to being a teacher.  Yea, yea, yea...don't roll your eyes yet.  Just read for a second.

Think about all the details you plan for the year, for the month, for the week, and for the day.  Think of how those details rarely go EXACTLY according to plan.  Think of who you lean on for support - your family, your grade level, your administration, your friends, etc.  Despite the stress and anxiety and hours upon hours upon hours...*pause for dramatic effect*...UPON HOURS of work you put into everything for the kids, nothing is ever perfect.  Just like a wedding.

I realized the DAY. BEFORE. THE. WEDDING that I could not keep up with or control each of the tiny details I had been carefully devising over the last few months.  I finally reached out to my friends and said this is what I want, but you know what, do what you think is best because I will not know the difference tomorrow.  I also said that to the caterers and the DJ.  And you know what?  Looking back, I have no idea if what they did was exactly what I would have done.  I was too busy soaking up my new husband, my new family, seeing all of my friends, celebrating, and loving the day.

Now I am going to say this to you, as teachers.  You cannot control every little detail of your classroom/school/students.  Ask for help from your grade level, your administration, your family, and your friends - even your students...especially your students.  Give up the control and trust that at the end of the day, week, month, year...you and your students will have soaked up all the important things.  You will have inspired and instructed.  You will have guided and given hugs.

You will have made a difference.