Have you talked to a student or teacher lately? If so, you probably have heard that these are stressful, tiring days. During the years that I taught sixth and eighth graders, I felt that stress, but would say those two words of the title of this post repeatedly to encourage my classes and myself to keep working hard. Those last four to six weeks of the school year, filled with continued learning, standardized testing, and end-of-year activities are the most challenging part of the school year – not only for students, but also for teachers. Many of the adults in the building needed the same encouragement, as each day brought the need for added patience at a time when that commodity was running low.

As the years passed, there were other times when exhaustion hit and the urge to just stop, to quit, was tempting. The race of life can be hard at times. How much easier would it be if I just walked away from that class, that job, that relationship? However, what would be the long-term loss? I imagine you have felt the same way at times. Let me encourage you as well to program those two words into the back of your mind, pray for wisdom, and finish strong! It will help you power through those tough times in life.

So in the midst of all the current activities, enjoy these days of college graduations, high school proms, and middle and elementary school celebrations, as the days of this school year seemingly evaporate. The final result should make you proud.

God bless – Sue