Sometimes, when you are consumed by all the "things" you need to check off of your to-do list, you get caught up in your own bubble. At least I do. This week, I was reminded of just how important it is to get out of that and make sure you are taking advantage of the opportunities the Lord places in front of you.
"Today we remember to live and to love"
This past week I have heard the stories of a few of my students. I have heard words from their lips describing a life I would not wish upon anyone, but especially a child. My heart has broken for them. I have cried for them at night. At the end of this week, I have felt so burdened for them in a way I have never felt burdened for someone before. Friday evening, I got home and parked in my driveway. I couldn't stop crying because of what I know the kids are feeling. I walked in the house and just cried with Russell. I thought I had experienced feeling someone else's pain during their trial, but this pain is much stronger. As I spoke to my students this week about everything they are going through, I struggled with holding back the name of Jesus. I could feel His words speaking through me as I tried to encourage my students, but I desperately wanted to tell them about the love of their Savior. In almost all of my other jobs with children, I have been in a church setting, so this feeling was new to me. There have been times when I'm teaching when my students will ask me about my beliefs and I can tell them, but outside of that I am not "legally allowed" to discuss it. I offered my students a listening ear and what I am hoping was loving, encouraging words for them. I can only hope that they will feel God's love through me.
My heart is heavy. Please pray for the children in our schools, but specifically, my students. The painful stories that they have to tell are hard to listen to from their mouths. They are just children. Please pray that I will have the right words to say when they can't handle the world around them.
"Tragedy is a reminder to take off the blinders, And wake up and live the life we're supposed to take up. Moving forward with all our heads up, Cause life is worth living."
