I Can Do Hard Things

Recently, a dear friend of mine lost her young daughter. It broke my heart to see her go through the grief and pain that accompanied this loss, but I was also touched by the strength and faith she demonstrated throughout it all. A few weeks after the funeral, she created a post on her blog entitled: I Can Do Hard Things. It was a beautiful expression of her strength to carry on and to tackle the hard and scary things that are a part of our lives.

For the past couple of months, since reading that tender post, that phrase has stuck with me and come to mind on many occasions: I can do hard things. I was so touched by my friend's strength and courage that I have adopted the phrase as my new motto for life. So, these past 2 months or so, I have done several things that I once feared. They aren't life changing things--in fact, you might think that they are silly, but they have helped me to realize that we have more strength inside of us than we even know.

I finally chopped my hair really short. (It was almost at my shoulders when I started.) I have always had short haircuts, but this time I wasn't going to let my hesitations keep me from trying the cut that I have wanted to try for a long time. I have been so happy with it!

After years of hearing about the Walker family hikes to Tablerock, I decided it was time for me to give it a try. I am not a hiker and I am not in the best of shape, but I made it! It was invigorating to reach the top and to look down over the valley.

Two weeks ago, Bryan and I sang a duet in Sacrament Meeting. I was SO nervous! The last time I sang a song in church was 10 years ago when Bryan was going on his mission. But again, it was a fear that I knew I had to overcome.

I have found a place where I get to dance like a wild woman and shake my booty! Mel and I joined a Zumba class and it has been quite an adventure!

Lastly, I have finally conquered my fear of the Skycoaster at Lagoon! I have been wanting to go on this ride for years, but I have always been too chicken. Can you blame me? You are strapped to 2 other people and hoisted up 150 feet in the air by some cables, only to be released in a face-first swing across the park. Bryan and I went to Lagoon just over a week ago and this time, after fighting with myself for most of the afternoon, I rushed to the counter and paid for my ticket so that I could not get out of going. It was so incredible! I loved swinging over the park and I was amazed to find out that it wasn't as scary as I had anticipated! What a rush!

So, the moral of the story--we really can do hard things! We don't need to let fears and doubts hinder us any longer because we have been blessed with inner strength and courage that only needs to be discovered. Thanks to my sweet friend for her example of this strength! It has blessed my life immensely.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

The Greatest Title: Teacher

I have heard that one of the most sacred titles a person can be called is Mother. I don't disagree. But because I have not had the opportunity to earn that title yet, I have recently discovered an alternate title in my life that has become sacred to me. That is the title of Teacher. Each day that I teach preschool, I am amazed at the joy that comes from little children. The lessons they teach me aren't about math, science, or geography. The lessons I learn from these little ones are about life. Children are incredible! The Savior was so wise when He counseled us to become as little children--so innocent, pure, willing to learn, willing to love despite mistakes made, and so happy.

Because I teach 4-year-olds who are just learning how to be in school, I am often called "Teacher" rather than Miss Walker. At first this bothered me. I don't know why, but I have always felt that it was disrespectful for students not to use their teacher's name. In college, I told myself that when I began teaching, I would not allow my students to call me Teacher.

Last week, however, my heart was softened when my little students called out to me saying things like "Teacher, will you help me?" and "Teacher, look at what I did!" Suddenly it hit me how tender it was to be called Teacher. I am the instrument being used to teach these precious little sprits how to begin a lifetime of learning. They depend on me to teach them how to be good students and more importantly, good people. I am an example to these children and it has been a blessing for me to reevaluate myself and my behavior. It has also been joyous to love these children and to remind them, through my actions, that the Savior loves them too.

I thank Heaven for the sacred privilege I have of being called Teacher.

(A few of my preschool kids)

Precious Moments...

I have the cutest little preschoolers and I dearly love teaching them. Every day these little 4-year-olds say the funniest things (as only children do!) and I just crack up! I decided that I am going to start posting these moments on my blog so that I can read them over and over, and so that you can read them too if you need a little cheerful moment :)

A few days ago, we were all packed up, ready to go home, and were waiting in the garage for parents to come and pick up the kids. We were a few minutes early so I was trying to think of something we could do to fill in a few extra minutes of time. I asked the kids if any of them knew of a fun song we could sing. Of course, I was thinking something similar to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," or another children's song. You can imagine how surprised I was when a little ambitious girl marched right up to me, put her hands on her hips, and said with a little bit of attitude, "How about Single Ladies?" I just about died laughing.

The next day, we were in our classroom practicing how to raise our hands when we want to answer a question. My kids have a problem with shouting out everything they want to say, all at the same time. So we have to practice how we raise our hands when we want to speak. I have a little girl in my class who isn't always willing to participate, so when I asked a question and she raised her hand high in the air, I made sure to call on her. She sat up tall in her chair and looked at me with wide eyes, her face very excited, and said loudly, "I love you!" Not the answer I expected, but one that is never wrong :)

Scooter Sold!

Not that any of you were worried, but I am glad to say that I sold my scooter! What a huge blessing. I was actually able to use the money from the scooter to purchase a new car! (And by new, I mean new to me :D) It is a super nice car that has been meticulously taken care of by the previous owner. It is a Honda Accord and I love it!

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I teach preschool, and I LOVE it!! :D