Ugghh...the mile run!

The students in my class have been participating in the Presidential Fitness testing the last few weeks. This week we took the kids to the track to run the mile. There are a wide variety of responses whenever we tell the kids, " we are running the track today". Some kids get excited and yell, "Alright", while others groan and say, "Ugghhh". Well it's my job as a coach (and the other coach I teach with), to get the kids motivated to run and do their best. I always remember the verse in the Bible that states...." I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me!" I say a quick prayer as we are walking to the track asking God to help each child do their best and finish the run.

I believe the more we encourage kids and give them the opportunity to succeed, they will be successful as they grow older. There are numerous students in our school that need that encouragement on a daily basis. As I see those children, I give them a smile or a high five, because sometimes that's all it takes in order to get them going for the day! So just as finishing the mile is an important task, encouraging my own children and my students to do their best or telling them to have a good day with a smile on my face will go a long way, not only for the moment, but for years to come!