Musical #2 was a great success! My fourth graders were "Feelin' Good" today... they were fabulous. I'm so proud of them, and so is my principal. Her words were "Jennifer, they were great. You're fantastic with those kids! We should have this program for the district wellness kickoff in January." As my teeth hit the floor I felt a whole lot of pressure rise off my shoulders. This has been a very stress-filled month with 2 grade programs and a DARE graduation musical for the 5th graders. I feel like I've weathered it, but I've been really run down concerning my ability to actually do my job and do it well. Today, God showed me that I'm totally in the right place. The ways He constantly confirms this to me are amazing. When I want to quit, He simply pushes me back into it. (I truely believe Jacob can be God's hands... God uses him so much to get me back out there when I'm ready to give up!) He, once again, hasn't let me fall even though I feel like I don't have a lot to stand on or much to catch me when I hit bottom. I'm actually excited to go to work tomorrow... for the first time in a while. This is not to say that I'm not entirely ready for Christmas and some much needed time in TN with family, however.
That brings me to another topic on my heart... stupid people. I honestly will never understand how one can have a child and then not care for him/her properly. Some of my students just break my heart. They are crying out for someone to just hug them, just smile at them, just let them know that where they are is a safe place. Unfortunantly, many of my students do not get this at home. As a staff we discussed the need to be understanding this time of year because kids don't want to go home for break.. they don't want to be home because home is not safe or a place of rest. I cannot comprehend this! How can you have a child and not desire to care, love and nurture the child properly???? What is happening in our world when small children don't want to be around those people responsible for them??
My heart aches for these kids, it breaks to think of what they go home to and how they are living. Beautiful little beings that deserve all the love we can give them... scared to death. My prayer is that no matter how frustrated I get with them, I can remain kind and a safe place. If you get a chance, throw up a prayer for these kids. I know I take my life for granted so many times.. how could a kid not be excited about a break from school? Those were my favorite times growing up! You get the picture now, I'm sure. May the Lord bless these little lives... they sure do bless mine. (most days... :) )
