Find Joy in The Little Things

Today’s post is not a long one, but one that means a lot, so pour a cup of coffee and enjoy a moment in the life of a teacher that I believe we can all relate to.

 Growing up, I was surrounded by the game of basketball. Therefore, it was only natural that at some point in my teaching career I would coach in some capacity. Eventually I was asked to coach my middle school boys basketball team in Omaha, NE. Even after playing varsity basketball in high school and basketball at the Division III level, this was new to me, and I was not good! My first season I struggled teaching the kids the game the way I believed it should be played.

In my 2nd season, we were quite successful and made it to the championship game against a very good team. The game was a nail biter and came down to the final minute with us only up by two points. As the other team brought the ball up the court, I looked towards my assistant coach and told her to get ready to draw a play up, for fear they were going to make a shot and either tie it, or take a lead. Then all of a sudden, one of our players intercepted the ball! He then took a few dribbles and made a layup which won us the championship!

This was significant on so many levels. All season my assistant and I had been preaching defense to these middle school boys. All season we worked on a difficult press defense. All season we worked on discipline. In the end, it paid off on the final play of the season! What I remember most is the joy on that young man’s face when the final buzzer sounded. It truly struck a chord in my heart. We had accomplished something that we worked all season  for, and right in front of me I witnessed these boys reach their goals. 

In some ways, the joy of this interception and layup changed my teaching career. Teaching is a very difficult profession. The joy of that young man and his teammates taught me to appreciate the little things in the classroom, rather than the difficulties. Focus on the victories, and you will be a champion on a daily basis.

I hope you enjoyed your coffee and it is my wish that you find joy in your classroom.

-Magee