Monday July 14th I emerged for graduation to watch the class of 2025 walk across the stage with pride, coming in a little late and leaving a little early to man my merchandise booth on behalf of the class of 2026. I didn’t even get time to stop for pictures with any of my favorite grads. Bummer.

After a celebratory lunch I headed back to my classroom to grade those last few lingering labs, fireworks projects, add some comments to grades, archive online resources and empty the remaining cupboards and drawers in my classroom in preparation for the remodel slotted to start the next day. My friend came to help me, knowing I was at and had been beyond the end of my rope. I also received a piki (dirt bike) to my front porch from Gina, a coworker who has been keeping my friend Katie’s for the year while she’s been gone, handing it off to me for safe keeping until Katie returns in a few months.

I was at the edge of tears all day, feeling the weight of all that had been on my shoulders for the past week and a half. I did it, but barely. I made it through, hopefully well, but not feeling like it had been well.

Tuesday July 15th, I took out said dirt bike with a friend, roaring off into the valley.

Stunning views and clear air helped to empty my head. I finally had room to breathe. Not able to talk, or focus on anything but where my tire was rolling, I was given a gift of freedom. I had time to pray, to think, and to stare at gorgeous views of passing canyons, our local dormant volcano, and fields that could at any moment reveal herds of cows, goats, sheep, and if I was lucky today, a zebra or giraffe. Today, I wasn’t lucky, but as I navigated loose dirt, sand and volcanic ash, I smiled just knowing I could be.

I’d finally reached the very long end of a very long year.

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Prayer Points:

-I really did reach the point of burning out at the end of this term like I never have before. Praise God for his strength and sustaining hand! Please pray for me as I consider next year. I’ve been asked to take on a couple of more things, but am VERY apprehensive seeing where my work load left me this past term, wrung out with nothing left in the tank to spare. Pray I have wisdom of what to say yes to, and courage for the needed “No” when it presents itself.

-Please pray for true rest in Christ in this next month I have off, especially in the gift of extra time. I’ve been spending my mornings watching a puppy play from my front porch in my hot-pink snuggie as I start my day with a cup of coffee and time in God’s word. Please pray He would reveal himself to me so clearly, giving me direction and the peace of His presence. It’s been a tough month, but He is still good! I am in a much better place than I was two weeks ago and am hopeful that with another month to rest and prepare, I can start the new school year with renewed vigor and excitement to welcome new experiences and new students!