Today while grading some test papers before heading for home, Clay (one of my former students) came walking into my classroom. He's now a senior and beginning to prepare for life out of high school. As we exchanged greetings, he sat down on one of the front tables and asked for my opinion on the subject of man's free will desiring to challenge God's path for our lives. I asked him why he chose to ask for my opinion, and he told me that of all the teachers he has had in his high school years, I was the only one who he thought generally kept an invested interest in his role as a Christian. Although I know that the entire staff is made up of amazing men and women for God, I will honestly say that it was nice to hear Clay say that. I "made him want to study his belief and faith more. It's not just believing, it's knowing WHY you believe it." I don't know how the hundreds of students I've taught over the years have felt about me while in my classroom and long after they left it, but I am proud that I have at least sparked the lightbulb for young Clay. That's why I stand up there every day for seven hours and speak to brick walls more often than not. One day, hopefully, those brick walls will crack and open up to wonderful seas of curiosity.
To stray completely from the above topic, I talked with Charlie and Deanna this evening, and they are so low, but they have so much faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for them, and pray especially for their empty arms tonight. Chaz's memorial will be Saturday. I am going to (hopefully) read a couple Scripture verses. I don't know how I'm going to find the strength to attend. Seeing Grace's small casket, I couldn't bear seeing one smaller. Just pray for Charlie, Deanna, and their family during this difficult time. Thank you.
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2 comments:
praying...aching...questioning...trusting...praying
Praying for your dear friends and for you as this renews your own grief.
Thanks for sharing Clay's comment. It's amazing how a teacher can survive for years off of a single comment from a student. A month ago a wise man wrote, "They may not look like they are paying attention to me, but I am paying attention to them." I think this confirms, that the words "look like" are the critical ones--no they don't appear to be paying attention, but, oh, they are!
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