Early yesterday morning I taught my college students. We talked about how they need to take care of themselves so they can best utilize their skills.

In the middle of the day I worked with elementary school students.  We talked about how important it is for them to appreciate who they are and make themselves a priority.

At night, I worked with a group of preadolescent girls and we discussed their value and worth and why their most important job is self care.

In between each event I dropped my kids off or picked them up, I made meals, I helped with homework, I cleaned up.

At 9:30 p.m. I sat in front of my computer, ready to read email and “catch up” on everything I had missed, when my 9 year old daughter came up behind me. 

“Mom, I have something I have to show you.”

“Can it wait until morning?”

“No.”

So I followed my daughter up the stairs and she walked me into my bedroom.  She pointed to my bed and said, “Mom, this is your bed, it needs you.”

I began to laugh and recite all of all the things undone, and she said, “Just wash your face and I’ll get you a water.”

So I listened.

I got into bed, with things incomplete, but also surprised at how quickly it all seemed minor, how in reality, all of it could wait.

Then I hugged my daughter and said thank you, and she took her bear, turned off the light and put herself to bed.

Sometimes the teacher needs a teacher.