Commute
Two things stand out to me from this morning's commute. It's my first week as a full time employee at this particular school site and I'm getting used to driving all the way here and back again each day. First was a story on Morning Edition that brought tears to my eyes and a desire to share with my wife.
Second, something that I experienced for the first time, but which I know is common for others - a deer ran out in front of my car and I had to slow down to avoid it. It wasn't too close a call, but afterward my heart was racing, dampening my appreciation for the encounter with another living thing.
My work involves close encounters with other living beings in ways that can be frightening and even damaging to me - a lasting impact. Sometimes I am afraid of what is to come when I walk into a classroom or sit down with a student, how it will change my self-perception. My current goal is to avoid less while caring for and protecting myself more.