Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Debbie Hobbs
Laugh
When Rob asked me to write about the word “laugh”, I began to think about how many times during the day I laugh at all events that are completely out of my control. I am a middle school math teacher at Heronfield Academy. My cozy classroom with a tangram mural is no longer usable for my math classes as I am teaching in our multipurpose room. It is large enough to hold 16 students all socially distanced.
I teach mathematics, and in today’s classroom, I am controlling two computers, one for zooming and one for my online book, as well as reminding students to keep their mask on and to hand sanitize constantly. Also, I am tasked with rescuing rogue “stink bugs” from the backs of student’s chairs and freeing them so that they can fly into someone else’s classroom.
This past week while I was teaching, I heard the familiar sound of mowers and blowers around our campus. I quickly went to the doors and closed them so that I would not be drowned out by the noise, but mowers were still coming in loud and clear. Safety first, I forgot that that all the windows were open, no wonder that engine noise was coming in as if it were next to the window. I stood in front of my class and threw my hands up in frustration and began to laugh; all my efforts still were not enough.
While I was desperately trying to figure out another plan, the doors that I closed suddenly opened and one of my colleagues stepped in and said,” I told the landscapers that my friend was trying to teach and could they please come back at another time.” They agreed and left for the day. I thanked him for helping me and continued to teach. At the end of the day, when I was laughing about the events of the morning, I remembered what my colleague had said, “My friend”. I realized that I am not alone in this journey, and I do not have to do it alone.
St. John’s Church is also a friend to me during these challenging times. I miss Elias quietly laughing as I snuck into my pew a few minutes late on most Sundays, the good mornings, smiles, and hugs during Peace and Communion, as well as the community. Now, I enjoy virtual church with my daughter Kelsi, who lives in NC, as well as seeing folks that I have not seen for many years reading scripture. Kelsi and I laugh at how the scripture readings or sermons were meant for one of us or we reminisce about the folks that were present in our lives during my time as the Religious Education Director. It is different from before, but still just as welcoming and joyful.
There will always be a rogue “stink bug” creeping into your day, but know that you are not alone; there are friends everywhere ready to help, whether you ask for it or not. I hope that you have a wonderful week, finding laughter in small moments every day.
Peace and Joy,
Deb