I have a thing for nice, soft, manicured hands. My hands are not my favorite feature but they look a little better with care, preferably, a manicure. Since I play the piano, it gets a little tricky if my nails get too long. OK I know this shows how vain I can be. Feel free to give it to me.

Recently I was talking with a friend about the intensity of the Higgins’ and her response was “that’s why we love you.” How sweet is that?

In the middle school world, life is intense. Drama is the order of the day, every day. One day they hate you, the next day, they tolerate you. They mess with your mind on purpose. They mess with your mind for fun. Often, feeling stressed in the result.

Not unlike many fields you may chose, teaching is a difficult one. Not only because the clientele is unpredictable, but because different states want to torture you with tests and classes and transcripts from 20 years ago, and drown you in paper work and expenses along the way. After a degree in Music Education, 20 plus hours of music workshops and classes and 12 years of practical teaching experience, I was “awarded” a 2 year provisional license here in Oklahoma. Isn’t that nice. It’s provisional because I have to take not one, not two, but three tests costing me 250 dollars.

Excuse me, but do I sound bitter?

Well, I guess the frustration gets to me sometimes. Is all the hassle worth it? I have to believe it is. Life routinely involves hassles. Inconveniences. Interruptions. Work. Effort. Getting off your tushy and doing something. Putting one foot in front of the other when you’d rather give in and give up.

Frustrated and discouraged, I got a manicure yesterday. When we were in Africa, I thought I would never frivolously spend money that way again. Well, it’s been 6 months and I did it and I’m admitting it to you. Do I feel better? Yes, it was nice. I feel very prissy and I guess that’s OK.

When I notice my manicured hands, I pray I will be reminded that inward beauty is of the most importance.

I Peter 3:3-4 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

Mom