commencement

The definition of the word "commencement" is the time at which something is supposed to begin.

Many schools refer to their graduation ceremony as a commencement ceremony. Well today was the Rice High School graduation. It was a time for the graduating seniors to reflect on their lives up to this point and to "commence" life in the real world (or at least go off to college and postpone the real world for a few more years).

An interesting observation about today is that it was also our last official last day at Rice High School and we are also commencing a new journey in our lives.

It was a little sad to think that may be the last time I see some of those kids. I did not think it would be this difficult to leave my job. The truth is I have never really grown attached to my students before. In the past when I left a school it was easy, because I never let my self get too close. These kids were different or maybe I am different. Either way this move is going to be harder than I thought.
I will miss these kids.

I know that I need to take a break from teaching. I may never go back to it, but in all of my frustrations I have always loved my students. I don't always show it, but I love our students as if they were our own. Most of the time I am glad they are not ours and at the end of the day go home to their families. However, I feel sorry for them when I see the pain they suffer from family problems or friends stabbing them in the back. I laugh at them when I see the joy and excitement they have over some of the silliest things. I am still not sure why God sent me to Rice, but I am so glad I was able to have met and known the students we had in band class and will miss each of them.

One of my students got me a gift which had a bible verse on it. The verse was Jeremiah 29:11 and it is perfect reminder that God is control. It is a special reminder to Misty and I that He is control of this journey that we are about to begin.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.--------Jeremiah 29:11