Brenda Sharp

Many years ago, I took my middle son Christmas shopping. He was about seven years old and on a very important mission: finding the perfect gift for his mom. As we wandered through the store, his eyes suddenly locked onto something. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t expensive. It was a small, green decorative stone shaped like a heart. He picked it up immediately and asked, “Can I get this for Mom?” Without thinking, I blurted out the practical, grown-up response: “Will… that’s a rock. What is Mom going to do with a rock?” He looked up at me, completely unfazed, and said simply, “She can treasure it.” In that moment, my heart melted. We bought the rock. And here’s the best part: nearly twenty years later, that little green heart still sits on our bathroom counter. And my wife? She still treasures it. Not because of what it cost—but because of the love behind it. As we step into this new year, may we remember that some of life’s most meaningful gifts don’t sparkle or impress at first glance. They’re found in quiet moments, small gestures, and sincere intentions. Let’s treasure the people in our lives. The colleagues who show up. The friends who listen. The family who loves us imperfectly but faithfully. The opportunities we’re so busy chasing that we sometimes forget to appreciate. An attitude of gratitude changes how we see everything. Here’s to treasuring what truly matters.

The legacy of teachers...

Please remember that all those interactions you have with your students outside of the lesson really matter. The smiles… the eye contact… the jokes… the fist bumps… and the silliness… they’re all important. They remind kids that they matter. Those moments can mean the world.