The last week of school is here. It hits a little differently this year. My youngest ends his elementary career and my oldest ends his freshmen year. When August rolls around, I will have a middle schooler and a teen with a learner’s permit. I now understand what other parents meant when they said, “Don’t blink.”

            But this year also included me being in the classroom again after fifteen years. Three days a week, I bounced between six fifth grade classes and three fourth grade classes as a math interventionist. It seems strange that I like teaching math, but it’s easier to teach something that I struggled with in school because I had to learn all the secrets and tricks.

            The crazy thing about this year is I was hired as a math interventionist, but a lot of my days were spent building kids’ and fellow teachers’ self-esteem. Reminding them how capable and smart they are or in some cases helping them discover it for the first time. And my absolute joy was being able to see so many young teachers pouring themselves into their students and regularly encouraging them to keep it up.

            Our school system has taken some hits this year and there are still so many things that need to be addressed from the top down. But I have been so encouraged watching the administrators, deans, teachers, and staff at our Central School bust their tails for these kids. Being on staff, I’ve been given an inside view. While we still have many areas that need work, we have come so far as a school this year. Teams rallying together. Administration unified. Kids intentionally making new friends. And so many new opportunities for teachers and students to get involved.

            There were days when I wasn’t sure my body would let me finish the year and there have been divine appointments and assignments that only got done because of God’s perfect timing and strength. But one thing I learned is that if God leads us to something, he’ll take us through it.

            The lasts always come before the firsts. While this might be the last week for students and teachers, it’s also leading to a whole new set of firsts. If I’ve learned anything this year, I’m reminded to soak it all in and never wish away a second. Yesterday I was walking my oldest to kindergarten and now he’s heading into his sophomore year. My youngest was just born and now he’s going to be a middle schooler.

Enjoy the lasts. Enjoy the firsts. And never wish the moments away.