Clap-off

Our twins ended 5th grade last week with the ceremonial clap-off. The entire school stood in the hallways after the awards assembly and as the 5th graders walked throughout the school they were cheered and celebrated...high fives, fist pumps, and lots of smiles and screams.  I actually managed to capture it on my phone and when we watched it later I was struck most by their teachers' faces as they walked ahead of the parading students.  The best word I can come up with to describe those looks is "content".
I am sure they were relieved the year was wrapping up - the state tests pressure, mounds of homework, end of year events...but it was not relief I saw shining in their eyes and through their smiles, it was contentment, "We did the job we were hired to do and we have no regrets...it was all worthwhile and we gave it our best."  
I was reminded of one of my favorite proverbs, 10:7 "The memory of the righteous is blessed".  Those teachers left nothing on the track, they taught every day, all day. They were blessings to us this year and when 5th grade is remembered by our twins it is those teachers' attitudes, kindness, and work that will always ALWAYS be etched in their hearts and minds. What a legacy!  Funny thing, each of their teachers told us what blessings the twins had been to them this year. I think that is what the proverbs means...not only will your memories be blessed as one who acts/does right, but the memories others have of you will be blessings, as well.
I hope your school year has ended with a clap-off for you...filled with lots of celebration and gratitude.  No regrets, no shame...but good memories and blessings - both for you and your students.