Bumper Stickers

I don't like bumper stickers.  I never have.  It is a huge dispute between my newly-licensed driving teenager and I. She thinks they make a statement.  She thinks its important to share with strangers who you are - so they don't have to guess.  I think they make a statement also. However, I like to keep my statements a bit more quiet and private (like on a blog! Ha!).  My car likes to remain anonymous.

Today, I saw a bumper sticker on my way home.  It annoyed me as they often do.  But then it caught my attention.  And then it inspired me.

It stated:  "Life is the teacher. Love is the lesson".

At first, it made me feel uncomfortable.  Too hokey.  But then I realized - that it was the motto to our day at school.  Today was a great day.  But parts of it were filled with hard lessons. If you don't work hard then you may have to do it over.  If you are mean to someone they might be mean back.  If you hurt a friend then you have to learn to work out your problems and apologize. If you don't know something then you have to keep working at it until you do.  These are hard life lessons.  Life is the teacher.

However, I also saw a lot of love today.  And in the end - that is what we were each left with.  When one student had to leave early everyone went to say good bye to her.  Coming in from recess - each child went to a sad child to encourage him with positive words.  Hugs and handshakes started the day between new friends.  Kids wanted to share about the things that were most important.  Community is being formed.  Friendships being forged.  Love is the lesson.

These are small people.  With a lot of room for growth and a solid foundation of who they already are.  We have a great journey ahead.  With a bit of life's lessons and a lot of love to go around - I look forward to the event.


Also, today - the kids learned the foundational character for our major skills this year. The YETI! Not YETi! Ask them about it and I will write more about this great character soon....