The Sunshine File....

I've been teaching in my own classroom for 5 years. Before that I completed an internship, worked in a childcare center and took part in numerous field experiences. I can confidently say Winthrop did a great job of exposing me to lots of classrooms throughout my education there. 

I was also a member of the Palmetto State Teachers Association. At one of our meetings I remember getting a flyer with a poem about a sunshine file- see picture below

I found a yellow folder and started putting various things in it over the years. 

My sunshine file followed me back home where I started teaching. Today, I was adding to my file when I really took notice of how explosive it was. I took it out and shared its meaning with my assistant. She quickly responded, "that looks like a great snow day activity. You should take that with you!"  

So earlier tonight I opened it up to start to peek through. I made it through the file tonight and was excited and surprised at the things I found and discovered. 

Not only were there years of memories from students but also thank you notes from former parents of kids I had worked with. I found drawings from 2008; astonished that even then I was an Mrs. Oh kids!

I laughed, I cried and enjoyed reading them all. 

There were heartfelt thanks from students; notes that said "you rock" and the never ending "I love yous!" There were kind words from my co-workers, partner teachers, instructional coach and principal. 

Seriously going through those was a complete joy! Here's just a small sneak peek of what I found. 

I never doubted my childhood dream of being a teacher. I don't want any career that doesn't involve children and making a difference in their lives. 

I was talking with my trainer today about how you aren't always sure that you really make a difference in someone's life but when you know it's a great feeling...

That sunshine file really brightened my day, made me thankful for the memories, students and families who I've had the joy to be a part of their lives and the many more to come. 

I encourage you to start a sunshine file. Maybe you don't teach or have random sticky notes that say "I like your new shirt" but there's something that means a lot to you and brightens your day when you're having a hard time. 

Try finding those things and remembering them when times get hard. We aren't promised an easy life; but a life full of God's promises... One worth living!