BFTP: A day of ordinary (library) miracles
Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 08:32AM This poster that appeared in Teacher-Librarian magazine back in 2005. Visit the webpage for a listing of many "miracles" that other readers contributed. The hoary original "A Day of Ordinary Miracles" (copied below) can easily be found with a simple Google Search.
A Day of Ordinary Miracles
I wish you a day of ordinary miracles.
A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself.
An unexpected phone call from an old friend.
Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.
I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in.
The fastest line at the grocery store.
A good sing along song on the radio.
Your keys right where you look.
I wish you a day of happiness and perfection.
I wish you little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that God is smiling on you.
- Anonymous
Yes, that crash you heard was your coffee cup hitting the floor. It’s not often this old cynic admits to reading such saccharine stuff as the small blessing above, let alone shares it. But yes, it is still me.
Thing is, I don't know anyone in education that doesn't appreciate these small miracles. Thankfully they occur in libraries perhaps more than anywhere else in schools. So here is my list ....
I wish you a day of ordinary (library) miracles and little things to rejoice in…
Eight hands that go up to request the title you’ve just book talked.
A computer that goes for an entire day without crashing.
A less-than-successful baking experiment taken to the teachers lounge, eaten before 10 am.
A child asking for another book “just like this one.”
Finding a "app" that saves you time.
Watching a student successfully use the newest database to find needed information.
A parking spot close to the school door.
The principal saying a sincere thank-you.
An unexpected larger amount on your paycheck or a smaller amount on your mortgage payment.
A new book just published by your favorite author.
A student who is actually concerned about the quality of his work.
A dozen doughnuts as “thanks” for service above and beyond the call.
A quick and pleasant response from a technician.
Kids who want to help you.
A teacher saying out loud in the lounge how much she uses the online tool you showed her.
A human voice on the phone when you expected a recording.
A student who wants to become a librarian when she grows up.
A chance to show a tech-tip to a teacher who thinks you are a “guru.”
A library with windows and sunbeams in the winter.
A request to use the library for a meeting because “it is the most pleasant room in the school.”
A smile of accomplishment from a student who shows you how to do something on your smartphone.
A quickly-answered reference question asked by a teacher.
A library aid you like and who likes you.
A call from a parent thanking you for the information on your webpage.
A student so absorbed in a book, he doesn’t hear the bell ring.
A call from a parent about a lost book found while cleaning.
A student who wants to hold your hand.
Students who give genuine praise to each other.
What strikes me as I read this list of “ordinary” miracles, is how we, ourselves, often make them happen. It is by treating others well that good is returned to us.
Any additions you'd like to make???
Reader Comments (2)
Love this! Had a miracle of our own this week- student who has many issues came to stop by one morning just to say hello and to say he missed seeing us (the library has been closed for AP testing - that isn't a miracle and is a separate issue). Made our day!
Hi Deb,
I think if we just keep our eyes open for them, we can experience small miracles everyday. Too bad many of us stop looking!
Doug​