Losing touch and touching lives.

Sooo here's a random thought I've been pondering for a while: It seems that one of the main reasons people lose touch with people they really care about is because of good intentions. Think about it. How many times have you put off calling somebody you haven't talked to in a while because you wanted a large block of time to catch up on everything? Well, we're at the point where that huge block of time either never comes or quickly gets filled with other things. Oh, Robert Burns knew what he was talking about ("The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry."). Wouldn't it be better just to make a quick phone call here and there so they know you're thinking of them? Perhaps a little card or something? It's hard to find time for any of that sometimes, too, but it's a lot easier than waiting for a block of time.

On an unrelated note, I start teaching in about 2 weeks. One of my classes requires a lab where we team teach a unit in science or social studies. I'm really looking forward to it (in between the times my brain is running through all of the worst case scenarios of this blowing up in my face and my stomach is in knots!) because my partner seems pretty cool and easy-going, and we're in a first grade room doing a social studies unit on natural resources. Our cooperating teacher is going to be a huge help -- she offered to help us find books to use and provide some materials, etc. I've been learning a lot of cool things to use in a classroom in terms of activities, management tips, and the like, so it'll be great to get to try them out! It is kind of overwhelming having no idea where to start with lesson planning and such, but that's what this is all about. It's essentially a low dosage of what student teaching will be like. (Oh, student teaching...such a terrifying phrase...this time in 2 years I will be in some random place in the country...I don't even know where...probably all alone...yikes!!!)

Oy, this time next week I'll be home. =o)

Happy weekending!

~"There's always some reason to feel not good enough, and it's hard at the end of the day. I need some distraction, oh, a beautiful release...maybe you'll find some peace tonight in the arms of the angel. " ["Angel" - Sarah McLachlin...my favorite song of hers, and definitely in my top 5 favorite songs of all time]~

Beautiful love.

I was doing a bit of poking around online earlier (it is, after all, that time of the school year when motivation is hard to come by), and I came across a quote that I just had to write down right away.

"The key to being beautiful is always to be looking at someone who loves you, really." [-Julia Roberts]

Whether you are looking toward a family member, a close friend, a significant other, or our absolutely amazing and glorious God, realize that there is always somebody loving you. Take that love and relish it, reflect it. Don't be afraid to let yourself be loved, even if you don't feel like you deserve that love. One of the most beautiful parts of love is how freely it can be given to anyone. It is a choice. It is a gift. It is a blessing.