The Ordinary Impact

I saw a shirt in a local coffee shop that said #BetterTogether across the back. And I believe that. I really do. Unity. Community. Togetherness. These are all better than isolation, division, or just going it alone. But, full disclosure, my circle is small. Not because I don’t care about people, but because trust is hard sometimes . I believe in community, but I don’t always fully embrace it. There are moments I hold back. Because being #BetterT ogether sounds nice… Until someone challenges our opinion, our politics, our preferences, or even our parenting. Then, suddenly, it’s #BetterApart, or #BetterQuiet , or #BetterGone . Because togetherness isn’t just about gathering. It’s about growing. And that requires humility. It means admitting we don’t have it all figured out. It means being open to change, not just in others, but in ourselves. And that’s a lot harder than wearing a shirt with a hashtag on the back. Too many times, we default to living more like #BetterIfYo...

 There’s a strange tension in the air during the last week of summer break. Part of me is excited—ready to get back into the rhythm, see familiar faces, feel that buzz of a new school year. But there’s another part that quietly whispers, “Can’t we have just a little more time?” And I’ll admit— it feels weird to say that out loud . After all, people in “normal” jobs don’t get two months to reset. They don’t get to pause and recharge the same way we do in education. So who am I to complain? But here’s what I’m learning: Gratitude and weariness can exist at the same time. Joy for the work and a longing for rest are not enemies—they’re just both true. And that tug-of-war feeling? It’s not just about the end of summer. It’s what most people feel every Sunday night. Or Monday morning. Or every time we leave comfort for calling. Because, all too often, Monday is the real hurdle of the week. Tuesday is almost Wednesday. Wednesday is halfway home. Thursday is basically Friday. And Fri...