Snow and Oranges

                As I lounge in my living room on this gorgeous Sunday morning, I gaze out window to notice a radiant drizzle of snow. The sun is shining brightly and an orange is in my hand. Recently I’ve discovered this new love of mine- the orange. I savor one nearly every day. It is Sunday. Working until 10:00 on Friday night guarantees me this perfect day of rest. Today will be filled with writing, pilates, church, Subway (a weekly favorite!), running in the Petrified Forest with friends, a movie, and reading. Okay, a little studying will be thrown in as well. Two weeks from now brings my PRAXIS test at Arizona State University. This is the last step as I work towards my Colorado teaching certification.

                The end of February is upon us. This month has been filled with many adventures from making ice cream with my class, having a Valentine’s Day party, taking Bethany and Jenn on an expedition to Canyon de Chelly, and traveling 10 hours to surprise Kurtis in Denver, to running my first race in Littleton, CO and the furthest I’ve ever run just yesterday (8.5 miles!).

                My class is on the rise. I’m up to ten, with the coming of our old friend Andrea. I now have the largest class on campus, and I’m the only educator teaching two grades at once. It’s a daily struggle, but a pleasurable challenge as well. My students are very sharp and I continue to see their growth. Recently, I assessed in reading for the third time this year. One of my boys who was in the hard/frustrational stage has now entered instructional! Praise God! I’m working to find ways to challenge some of my extra-bright ones as well.

                I’m continuing to work on being content with where I am in life. I’ve found as I look at my life, that I reside in the future. Last night I enjoyed the new Veggie Tales, It’s a Meaningful Life. The veggies (yes, I adore them!) acted out a story that teaches how God allows everything to happen in our lives for a reason, good or bad. Even though my life has been filled with some rocky times, I can use those to grow and become stronger in my faith. I know that everything will eventually lead me to where God wants me to go, as long as I keep my eyes on Him. I will focus on what He has in store for my life right now at this instant. Yes, I anticipate the future and I make preparations for it, but I need to focus on and be grateful for today. I am grateful for this Sunday. I am grateful for Sun Valley Indian School. I am grateful for this snow…and I am grateful for this orange.