I know the expression is T.G.I.F. in honor of the end of the traditional work week, but for a while now I’ve thought I should give thanks for Monday, give thanks for the beginning of the work week. I figured that today was as good a day as any to do so. Today, my fellow faculty and I received our appointments (contracts) for the next academic year. Too often we may grumble about raises and our wishes for more recognition for the work we do in the form of monetary reward. Today, I almost signed my contract as soon as I got it and returned it pronto to the appropriate office. Even though I didn’t, it doesn’t mean that I’m not grateful for my job.
Yes, in this economy I’m ecstatic to be a tenured Associate Professor. However, it’s more than that. I’m grateful that when my knee hurt this morning (the vestige of playing high school basketball) that I was able to sit down and lecture to my students about communication conflict. It is a privilege to sit down when I am physically in pain on the job.
I’m grateful that I have colleagues that make me laugh.
I’m grateful that I have colleagues who do care about me, in the midst of sometimes feeling like John Donne was wrong, that I am in fact an island.
I’m grateful that I work at a school that has worked so very, very hard to insure that it has no debt.
I’m grateful that I have food on my table because of my job.
I’m grateful that I know I don’t have to choose between paying my electric bill and the phone bill.
I am very grateful, despite appearances to the contrary.
Thank goodness it is Monday and I recognize the many things for which I can be grateful.
