I’m just going to be completely honest with you, my friends. Yesterday was rough. I haven’t really slept well in days. Yesterday was Friday, December 21st, and yesterday morning, I woke up thinking, “Good Lord Jesus, how am I going to make all of this happen?” A giant pit opened in my stomach (as does in most working parents’ stomachs), and I had been up since about 4 AM… As I had been most days this week… And the week before… And maybe the week before just honestly struggling to get everything done. Tonight I was watching my 3 year old “read” the Advent calendar and thinking, “I should have had more time for this.”

Real talk – teaching is tough. If you’re a parent, if you’re a student, if you’re a HUMAN, school is tough. Teachers are, by their very nature tough. We have to be. We sign up for this. But by the time we get to December, we are wounded… We are hurting. The bravest amongst are beaten down. This is when we see the tough ones start to get a little sassy and not hold their chins up.

So America, all I am asking is that today, on the beginning of Saturday, December 22nd, that you give the teachers among you a little love. They are hurting a little, and they are tired. Give them a hug, a high five, or maybe just a thank you… This gig is tough.

Remember that the holiday break is about building each other up and preparing each other to begin a new year. I am sending love out to each of you. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year!