Waiting in Line

When I was eleven years old, I waited in line with my friends to see Return of the Jedi at the movie theater in Ludington. It wasn’t just any line, it was longest line I had ever seen in my life.  It went out the front door of the theater, down the sidewalk, and past the book store around the block! Nobody was complaining or upset. In fact, we took pride in the fact that we were among the dedicated movie goers ready to wait in the long line to see our beloved film. There have been many times in my life, where I gladly waited in long lines for a special event including meeting William Shatner (aka Captain Kirk), getting my driver’s license from the Secretary of State, and taking my daughters to their first circus. Some things are made more special by the anticipation of waiting in line.

Then there are things that aren’t so special and don’t give the same exhilaration by waiting in line. Sunday night grocery shopping doesn’t give quite the thrill when waiting in line. Nor does waiting in line to get gas or an oil change. Don’t even get me started on waiting in a line of cars to get on or off the expressway during rush hour. Waiting in line can add excitement or frustration, based on the activity or event that you are waiting for.  Standing in line on Black Friday shopping is my idea of a nightmare, but my daughters gladly stay up all night to do just that. It’s all in what is meaningful to us.

As educators, we are used to waiting. Waiting to go to the bathroom, waiting to meet with parents, waiting for staff meetings to end:) The biggest thing we wait for though is to see the effects of our efforts with students.  Sometimes we wait 10 to 20 years to see the fruits of our labor and sometimes we never get to see the end result. The point is that we continue to do what’s best for students not knowing the end result or how long we will wait to see them be successful.  It’s well worth the wait though, just like all things that have a special meaning to us!

“Patience is not simply the ability to wait – It’s how we behave while waiting.” – Joyce Meyer

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” – Sharon Begley

“I grew up with six brothers. That’s how I learned to dance – waiting for the bathroom.” – Bob Hope

• Monday, November 11: Celebrate Monday Assembly 9:05 AM
• Thursday, November 14: PLC session 7:50-8:50 AM, PTA Meeting 7:00 PM, Social Committee Event 7:00 PM
• Friday, November 15: Pizza Party with the Principal for top fundraisers

• Monday, November 18: Celebrate Monday Assembly 9:05 AM
• Tuesday, November 19: Achievement Team 8:15 AM
• Wednesday, November 20: Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 PM
• Thursday, November 21: Staff Meeting 8:05 AM

• Monday, November 25: Students of the Month Assembly (Responsibility)
• Tuesday, November 26: Achievement Team 8:15 AM
• Wednesday, November 27 – Friday, November 29: THANKSGIVING BREAK