For the past two weeks my fourth grader Elias has had state-wide testing. I decided to surprise him and bring him lunch on my work from home day.

When I got to school and walked to the doors, I was astonished by the messages I saw written in chalk all over the sidewalk. The teachers had taken time, before the first morning of tests began, to write kind words all over the path into school. Those students' literal path to those tests was covered with encouragement. Phrases like "Good luck" and "You've got this" all over the concrete.

As I walked across those words and read encouragement after encouragement, I cried.

I cried because of the teachers' kindness. I cried because of its simple beauty. I cried because from the moment my son left our car to go into school he continued to be encouraged. I cried because my kids are so lucky to go to a school where the staff cares so much. Teachers are magic. I cried because I needed those words on my path, just as much as those fourth graders needed it on their's. I cried because of emotions I can't even express. It just really overwhelmed me in the best way.

I never would have expected chalk messages to bring me to tears. But I think in today’s busy world, sometimes we just need to see messages of hope and encouragement. We need reminders that we are loved and our best is good enough.

Today I hope you see these messages and remind yourself that those words are on your path too, wherever that path will take you.

It’s time to shine. You've got this.

Want to show your child's teacher you appreciate him or her? Check out this list of 5 simple ways to show teacher appreciation.

This post was first published on The Mom Creative. Connect with Jessica Turner on Instagram.

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