It may be the end of February, but at least in Texas spring fever is on the horizon. It’s that time of year when students [and teachers] are stir-crazy, somewhat uninhibited, and in need of change. Behavior challenges are popping up more frequently and we seem to be having a more difficult time holding things together.  This got me to thinking about one of my former students.

I remember him distinctly.  He was dead set on convincing me he was “bad” as evidenced by his words and actions. I had to work hard to not give in and agree with him, confirming his self-fulfilling prophecy. I knew he had a lot of potential, but most of the time it was hard to see given his challenging behaviors.  This morning, as I walked downstairs, I got a visual reminder of what helped me make it through the year with that child – having hope.

We planted a redbud tree outside the window of our stairwell many years back. We did so because every spring it blooms beautifully.  Of course, when I look at the tree in the dead of winter, I have to remind myself that hiding inside the hard exterior of the limbs are spring flowers waiting patiently to emerge. And you know what?  No matter how crazy our weather gets during the winter, like clockwork, a sea of pink flowers eventually overtakes the tree. Yes indeed, hope springs eternal.

I think sometimes the best we can do is just remain hopeful.  Hope is always there, but sometimes we get so overwhelmed with challenges that we can’t see it.  There are many things in our own lives and the lives of our students we can’t control, but our attitude and outlook are not two of them.  As you deal with your own frustrations and challenges, stay hopeful. No matter how freakish your storm, spring is on the horizon, and things will get better.