Small Moments

Plaque reading "blessed" that hangs in my office

As I continue to work to stay ahead of the darkness, I realize that I need to focus more on the good, on the beauty of small moments.

In the spring of 2024, I began volunteering to tutor special needs individuals. One of my students has been with me since the beginning, but there have been a parade of others. I am now on my third session with another student, and we are beginning to forge a real relationship.

While meeting each student is a treat, the longer term tutor-student relationships are really special. Getting to know my students, what they like and don't like, what motivates them to do more, seeing progress over time; those are truly gifts.

And the longer the relationship, the more my students give me moments that while small to the outside world, are big in my heart.

The other day, I was working with a student on literacy. At the end of each session, the student reads aloud to their mom and siblings. I help with the words that are still difficult. While we were reading, they put their arm around me, and then rested their head on my shoulder. The trust and affection demonstrated filled my heart. They did a great job with their reading, recognizing a surprising number of words on their own.

I have been taking that moment out and treasuring it and the feelings it evoked since it happened. I have been truly blessed by my work with these individuals. I am doubly blessed to have two long term students that I have been able to build relationships with. My work with these individuals continues to bring light into the darkness.

In my professional life, I did a considerable amount of training. One of the things I often told my students was that you see what you are looking for. When I am overwhelmed by sadness, I forget to look for the joy.

A simple gesture from my student this week reminded me that the joy is always there if I take the time to notice it.

Have you had a small moment that brought you great joy? If you are inclined to share, I would love to hear about it. If not, I hope I have encouraged you to treasure it.

As for me, I will continue to work on noticing the small moments, and clinging to the joy they bring.