Beginning of the End

For the last three and a half years, I have taught real time virtual classes [RTV]. This means from the 2019-2020 school year; I have sat before a computer engaging my students in real time. We had a blast and have indeed built an amazing relationship. We became family. Through the pandemic and beyond we’ve shared our stories of triumph and defeat. Our students were given a safe space to connect. It was more than learning content–we got better at listening and supporting each other. Now as we approach the end of the 2022-2023 school year, RTV daytime classes are coming to an end at my institution.

This is the beginning of the end of this beautiful experience. I am certainly a better teacher for having taken on that assignment. My students are mourning the loss, but life teaches us that some things are only meant for a season. This class was birthed to accommodate those who were challenged with all the hurdles that came with the pandemic. As our school moves in a different direction, we are called upon to embrace change with great optimism. I certainly look forward to what lies ahead. This end paves the way for the beginning of new experiences, both for me and my students.

Many in our village are approaching milestones of varying sorts at this time of year. Some have become empty nesters for the first time, others have graduated, and some are parenting for the first time. Many grandparents unexpectedly have to parent again. Some of us are now caregivers for our parents as we watch them diminish in strength and gait. For many it is the end of a career or a job as they have to make changes to adapt to these new seasons. The end can be frightening and daunting for us as we tend to be creatures of habit. Any shift in our equilibrium can cause panic, even anxiety.

If we live long enough, we get to understand that the end of one thing often marks the beginning of another. That little plaque on my desk above sits as a constant reminder to look at the ‘end’ through a different lens. It’s human to ache when a good thing ends. However, I am sure we can reflect on the many times good things have grown out of those conclusions in our life. Whatever your story might be today –whatever may have run its course in your life, take a deep breath and look up. Something beautiful lies ahead. Never allow fear of the unknown to rob you of walking into your new seasons. The end can be surprisingly delightful!

“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.…”

Isaiah 43:18-19