School days, school days.

Isolation and stay-at-home orders turned the normal household into an office, a gym, restaurant, beauty salon, barber shop, local bar, dry-cleaning and laundry, and a school house. Moms and Dads working from home became teachers, principals, counselors, coaches, librarians, attendance clerks, lunchroom personnel, and janitorial staff. It was a natural fit for the families already in home-school mode. For the many others, a majority of the population, it was doomsday, perhaps the tribulation period, or maybe just you-know-where right here on earth. It's also been the source of much laughter. The memes and cartoons and jokes posted by the new teachers around our nation have given us a whole new comic book of fresh opinions.

It's certainly been an adjustment for our professional educators as well. On campuses around the nation teachers, instructors, professors, and support staff have learned the disciplines of on-line teaching, testing, and reporting. Zoom, Blackboard, and many other cloud platforms have provided ways to educate at a distance, enabling many students to continue their study during the quarantine period. The other day our governor announced that South Carolina Schools would remain closed through this school year. Many colleges and universities are completing semester classes this week. Learning via computer audio-visual systems has enabled most student to complete their program of study for the year. Sadly, few graduating seniors will be able to celebrate in a ceremony at this time. Most schools will plan something at a later date. So, these sentences were an expression of gratitude to them all. Thank you.

Now, back to the humor part. It's been hilarious at points. Here's a very brief sample---

Telling my 6 year old about homeschooling for the next couple months. He asked if

I had to do that when I was a kid. I said no. Then he asked if chairs were even

invented yet. I think the first thing we’ll study is his blasted attitude.

We’re having our own “Spirit Week” at home since there’s no school for the kids.

Today, we’re kicking it off with “Meltdown Monday”.

Homeschooling is going great. Two students suspended for fighting, one student

in detention for talking back, one teacher fired for drinking tequila on the job.

I'm not saying I'm going to fail at homeschooling my kids. But my daughter just

asked "Dad, what's a synonym?" And I replied "It's a spice".

We‘re done with homeschooling. We do anger management now.

And, I thought the teacher was the problem.

If you see me talking to myself this week, mind your business, I'm having a parent-

teacher conference.

The other day I saw my neighbor taking the bumper sticker off her car that read

"My child is an outstanding student at Pleasant Valley Elementary School"

MOMMAGEDON ACADEMY, 2020.

There are, of course, many more, some of them much funnier than the ones presented. Many are copy-righted and cannot be reproduced without a lengthy approval process. They are funny, however, because they portray our changing circumstances and how we respond to them. The jests aren't about education, teaching or the ones who fulfill a calling to teach. They are about us humans and how we face challenging circumstances. In the backdrop is a deep appreciation of those prepared and willing to step into the classroom every day. Each comic sentence is a salute to their courage and ability. And, the challenges any of us would experience in seeking to fill their shoes.

Gratitude and appreciation may be the word of the day. I am always moved by words of thanks exhibited in Scripture---

Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to

you because you have done this thing.

2 Samuel 2: 6, ESV

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be

gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6: 24-26, ESV

School days, school days. They challenge us and we laugh at our ways. It's good medicine in uncertain times, because we're usually the learners.

Humor Pill for the Day

It takes a village to raise a child.

It takes a distillery to homeschool one.

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