Lesson #28 Appreciation is the Best Resolution

Every year on the first day back to school, I have my students in English class write a journal called "Reflect and Resolve".  It is about 8 minutes of written reflection on the previous semester that has just ended, and an 8 minute written resolution for the upcoming semester.  I encourage them to focus on all aspects of the person they are, including student, child, sibling, athlete, musician, employee and so on.  I tell them that it is a way to wrap up last year so we can learn from it and then say good-bye, as well as a time to focus on self improvement with our resolutions.  What they learn later in the week is that it is also a sly way to introduce Ben Franklin's "Moral Perfection" essay to them as well :)

And just like every year before, I join them in both reflection and resolution.  This time, however, I wrote more than usual.  I wrote more than usual because of Liam.  My reflection of the past year now includes this amazing little guy in it- and I must report that some of it included minor regrets as well as just how hard being a new parent is.  But mostly I bathed in the reflection of the joy he brings to my life every day, how much I love him, and how he has taught me.

My resolutions included a lot of cliched things (get in shape, get organized, finish house projects, etc.) but focused mainly on appreciating the small (and large) blessings that I have been given every day.  So here goes...

I appreciate that Liam has such awesome hair that it begs to be coiffed, even by my students who visited my house a couple of weeks ago.

I appreciate that two of the most important things in my life, my family and teaching, can merge occasionally and be celebrated together.

I appreciate that Jacob Schnackenberg, National Honor Society President, was my Secret Santa AND has mad blanket-making skills.

I appreciate Olathe Glass for their beautiful lighted flowers that provide Liam with endless minutes of entertainment and in turn, provide all who care for him endless minutes of saying "No, no, no... don't touch."

I appreciate his strong, chunky legs and big feet that have been helping him stand with strength and confidence, just enough to pull up on things and "cruise" along furniture while trying always to grab the remotes.

I appreciate Liam's bottom two teeth, the first of what is now six to have come in, as they are beautifully visible in almost every picture.  So I guess I should also be appreciative that Liam tends to be a mouth breather- it makes for a better photo.

I appreciate Liam's love for the simple thing in life.  With toy after toy filling up our house at an alarming rate, he can still spend a lot of his time with simple everyday items (that he sees as toys) like Tupperware, pretzel jars, lotion jars and unlit candles.

I, for one, appreciate padded car seats that allow him to fall gently to sleep.  I imagine Liam, however, would appreciate a neck pillow.

I really appreciate his like for Asian food, including Thai Place where he can flirt with the waitresses... 

and dim sum at BoLings where he can flirt with the waiters...

I aprreciate his implied patience and thoughtful pose while I finish fixing his dinner.

I appreciate his learning to share- even though Ryan and I are now constantly offered half-chewed graham crackers and slimy, spit-ridden Oreos.

I appreciate Liam wanting to "help" with the chores.  Ryan and I both kind of like doing laundry, so he takes after us.

We both HATE emptying the dishwasher, so I am encouraged that soon it will be Liam's job.

      

I appreciate Liam allowing me to dress him up in all of the clothes in his closet, including funny hats and puffy vests.

I appreciate Liam's support of our travel habit, even taking the time to help me pack.

Those are the simple blessings.  The bigger ones are what this blog is usually all about.  My huband Ryan.  Mimi and Papa and Grandma Becky.  My sister Amy.  Her husband Michael.  Jodi, Jeff and Jeremiah.  Shannon, Michael, Benjamin and Dominic.  Aunts and uncles.  Cousins.  And friends, friends, friends.  These are the people that bless Liam's life every day and who complete ours.

And so, like my students, I am striving to hold to my resolutions.  Franklin struggled with the virtue "Order" his whole life.  Maybe I will never run a marathon, or organize my jewelry drawer, or finish all of those household projects.  But I will continue to thank God every day for the blessing of Liam into our lives, and I will appreciate the daily joy that comes with him.  Appreciation is, after all, the best resolution I can make.  Lesson well learned.