Just Another Day

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Every day I beat my record for consecutive days stayed alive.

I forget where I read that quote, but I've always liked it. I especially like it on a day like today. I had to teach a class for ten hours today. Normally it's a task I handle with some enthusiasm, but I wasn't truly into it today. The sun was shining and I didn't want to be in a classroom. What makes it difficult is that students can usually sense that. Oh, well, I muddled through.

First off, it underscores my respect for teachers and what they have to do on a daily basis. Teaching is not just a regurgitation of material, you need to be on your game to do it well. If you walk in unprepared, they'll have you for lunch - and I don't think it matters if you're teaching construction safety or coloring to first-graders. A teacher is on stage and must be ready at all times. I can see where burnout comes from.

Yet that isn't what today was about. Rather, I spent most of the day feeling as if I were missing out on something. The work got done, my company made money, I got the message across, but I felt like I lost a day.

At the tail-end of the class one of the construction guys came up to me. We had spent the day discussing self-preservation in a sometimes dangerous environment, and he said, "I Thank the Good Lord that I'm still here. I had cancer and they spent 12 and a half hours removing 29 lymph nodes. Now when I start my day, I always fold my hands and Thank God that the sun came up for me again. I would never take a chance at losing my life out there."

Gives new meaning to a boring day, doesn't it?

I hope that guy keeps breaking his record of consecutive days. Sometimes its hard just to feel alive.

Comments

John said…
It amazes me to see you make a blah day sound great. You truly have a gift. Keep writing!
13 May, 2008
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