I expect it. I accept it. It seems as natural as taking attendance every day. It happens every year, every semester–without fail. The rush to get work in. I expect it. I accept it. It’s part of the learning process.

But, once upon a classroom, I didn’t so readily accept it. I expected it (no avoiding it), but I did not always accept it–in word or deed. In deed, I have responded by not accepting it at all to only accepting it with a penalty attached (makes me cringe now). In word, I have shamed with guilt kids who would play the late game for not respecting me or my time (beyond cringe). Ick.

But now, here in this space, I have found “better” in my acceptance of the rush. I have to accept it. No, it’s not convenient. At all. But it is not my convenience that matters. What matters is that there’s movement among my kids–they are finally pursuing their own better, and whether it’s early, on time, or late, I will not block them when they arrive. They are awake. They are moving, flooding my inbox. And while I wish it didn’t always take the end to stir some of my sleepers, I am not going to worry about my wishes. I am going to embrace the rush. It’s here. They are here. I am here. It’s as if it were the plan all along.

Happy Wednesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.