My job.

This quote has been hounding me.  I cannot get away from the truth of its words.    It's even posted on a white board by my desk because in this season of life and ministry, THIS is my real job.

It's heartbreaking, really to come face to face with the reality of what some of my 10th graders have faced.  And it's driven me to be more diligent to pray for them, more willing to find a way into their lives, and more concerned with living Christ in front of them.  

I gave them all an "about me" sheet to fill out ... listed their schedule, what they like to do, three words that describe them ... and the hardest thing they've faced and overcome!  It was encouraging to hear those who had overcome fears and insecurities.  But, it was far to common and heartbreaking to hear those who have lost parents to death, divorce, or been taken from their custody.  There are those fighting disease.  There are those who feel alone.  There are orphans (more than a few).  There are those who would rather not even answer than question.

There's a lot of pressure to have our students pass the end of course exam and this a lot of pressure to cover more biology in less time than anyone should have to.  But somewhere in the midst of that, it's my job to show the grace that's been offered to me.  It's my job to listen as I've been heard.  It's my job to care about the person rather than the grade.  It's my job to advocate and be their champion!  And it's my job to do some more praying for these kiddos God has entrusted to me for this year.

It's been encouraging for me to have some of last year's students come back by and visit.  To know that somewhere in the midst of doing biology together last year, something bigger happened.  

When we weren't doing biology this year, I got to witness an amazing transformation as one of "my kids" got adopted into a forever home!  It was big news here ... and a beautiful picture of redemption.  I shed, not just a few tears there.

I got a letter from my kid who is now in juvenile detention for robbing Radio Shack last year.  This is NOT what I would have wished for him, but it is something I know God can use for good ... it was encouraging to hear him say, "I don't pray to God asking Him to get me out of this situation.  Instead, I now ask that he gives me the strength to endure it.  I pray that I will come out of this a better man."

I've celebrated birthdays and successes.  We've had parties and we've struggled.  Right now, we are struggling .... less than two weeks til spring break and two tests??!!  Yeh, we're struggling!

I see a lot of God when I see these kids .... and I get a better glimpse of God's love for us when I realize how like "them" I am and how much grace we all need to make it.  Right now, LOTS of grace and Diet Coke!

Speaking of Diet Coke, these two knuckleheads brought me a stash last week.  Made my day!!

(Thanks, Kitti Murray for the quote.  It's a new favorite!)