October 15th? REALLY? Wow! Time has flown!
Working at a high school is certainly way different than being in elementary school. And this high school is one that my husband and all of his sibling's graduated from (as well as other members of the fam). What used to be a school in a rather 'affluent' neighborhood is now considered an inner-city poverty stricken public institution. Very diverse ethnicity, gang activity, laziness, lack of respect, etc.
And I've blamed the parents. Everyone else blames the teachers for the schools failing to educate our kids. And believe me, teachers work so stinkin' hard! So I blamed the parents for not raising their kids right.
Then, the other day while driving to school, my heart and mind changed....so I blame Satan, our enemy who seeks to destroy. And suddenly found myself praying for every parent that drove by as they dropped of their children. Even thanking the Lord for those who brought those same children late to school. People who don't know the Lord are even more overwhelmed with the current financial stress, etc., than those who have God in their corner. So now instead of blaming parents, I am reminded to pray for them.
A local church blessed the sox off of the school food pantry this week. And I mean, I've been overwhelmed trying to put it all away. Some people were obviously able to afford to donate quite a bit to our kids. Others were like the widow's mite in the New Testament. And I could see in my heart's eye someone who doesn't have much, worrying about a hungry child, and giving ALL that they could. Brought tears to my eyes, and a humbleness to my heart. And yes, I prayed as I put away canned green beans---and even when putting away asparagus.
It can be overwhelming to live in a neighborhood that is itself surrounded by poverty, work in a school that is impoverished, and worship in a church building that is in the smack middle of a poverty sticken area. But I am reminded that I am not alone. That I can't stop the gang fighting and attitudes without love. The love I receive from the Lord, my family and my friends...but more importantly, I am falling in love with these kids. And believe me, with some, it is very hard. But God has given me the eyes to see a young lady who is dressed appropriately, and compliment her on her appearance. The eyes to see a young man hold the door (even for me!), and to wipe the tears of a football player (yes, a black player letting an old white woman wipe his eyes) who just watched his team FINALLY win a game, and it's his senior year, yet because of medical problems couldn't play. (And be given the opportunity to pray with him as he awaits test results---thank you Lord). So, now I look for chances to love instead of blame. To encourage in addition to correct.