A Chance...

My second year of teaching has been very different from last year. First of all, I was pretty sick the week school started and didn't feel prepared at all. Second of all, I feel like my kids are different in many ways from my students last year. Their behaviors are different as well as their performance in the classroom. I feel like I am a drill sergeant most days. As teachers, we take on many roles. We are teachers, counselors, nurses, even mom to some of the kids. Last year and this year, I have had students placed in my classroom in order to keep them out of trouble. At first I had the attitude of "Why me?". I am just a second year teacher and do NOT have the skills that many veteran teachers have. However, these students bless me each day. When I see them behave and give 110% on their work, I feel like jumping for joy. When they do well on a quiz and defeat the odds, it gives me warm fuzzies! A teacher gave me an article today from the Charlotte Observer called "The keys to a child's success". One point the author, Kay Mspadden, made was that children who are nurtured and comforted by adults are more resourceful and show self control. Some children are exposed to constant stress at home and they feel the need to continue the stress at school in order to feel normal. Their growing bodies are in a constant fight or flight mode. These children have no idea what it feels like to be nurtured of comforted. Children need to feel attachment to an adult.  This is truly a sad reality. The Lord really spoke to me through these words. Some scripture came to mind:

"Those who give to the poor lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses." Psalm 28:27

"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26

"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:17

"Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to."  Deuteronomy 15:11

"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:3

As a teacher in a VERY large school district, I see children who are hungry. Yes, some are hungry for food but many are hungry for love. We as teachers have the opportunity to love as Christ loved. We can nurture and comfort our students. I am not writing this to say that teachers are the greatest thing in the world. It's to encourage the teachers who read this. SO many teachers feel discouraged each day at work and are ready to call it quits. I know because I hear it everyday. You can read the facebook statuses! We as teachers have the last chance to make a difference. We have a chance to love. To glorify God. Stand firm in your calling and love in a mighty way.