Today could only be described as one of frustration. I started the day running behind. Then, things went from bad to worse when our school went on lockdown due to a disturbance in the community.
Lockdown is not a bad thing. But it does take class time and that means every class after that is running behind. What is most frustrating about a lockdown situation is that the students are anxious and that makes them want to talk. Talking attracts attention and then you have a potentially dangerous situation. We don't want to CALL attention to ourselves during a lockdown. We want to DISAPPEAR! It is difficult to explain that in the midst of the situation. But after it was over and we had a debriefing, I believe the students understand the importance of staying quiet and maintaining a simblance of calm.
Of course, the lockdown did not create enough disruption to the day, we added a fire drill to that, too! Only a teacher could appreciate this. So, if you are reading and you think, "What's the big deal?" let me share with you.
Anytime anything out of the ordinary happens in a middle school classroom it is cause for a huge discussion! Students can't just move from one situation to another because they are so social. They have to talk about everything that happens; what they thought, how they felt, etc. So, as you might imagine not much gets done on days when there are multiple disruptions at school.
Now for the other frustrations in my life. Last week I was frustrated because of the unprofessional behavior going on in the school where my daughter is teaching. I learned, happily, today that the principal has dealt with that problem. So, at least one problem has been handled.
I have two stepdaughters. One is responsible, hard-working and sweet. She has always been mature and has always followed the path to her goals. I am very proud of that one and of all her accomplishments.
The other stepdaughter has always been a challenge for me. We have been at odds for years. As she has grown older I have decided to accept her as she is. She has given my husband a sweet grandson and I am very thankful for that. But, (you knew it was coming, didn't you?) lately she has been saying and doing things that are an embarrassment to myself and other family members. Her negative, rude comments on a certain social networking site have caused myself and other less combative family members to delete her from our friend list.
Now I can live with that. But I am wondering, just how long will that sweet grandson my husband has be sweet if he is surrounded by negative influences? How long can a child live in a situation where the talk is constantly negative, the atmostphere is poisoned, and the attitudes are black before he is sucked into that same behavior himself?
If you are reading this blog, please pray for this child. Pray that he will have strong influences that will guide him. Pray that he will be able to withstand the negative forces around him. Pray for those of us who might be able to provide that influence, because we ourselves are becoming negative and sad because of what is going on.
That's all for today. Tomorrow will be a better day. I know because I serve a risen Savior who is watching over me. Thanks for your prayers!
