Pray

Today my heart was softened.

Amongst the rivers of tears the flow from my most dramatic students, I was rescued with a small lifeboat of realization. One of the best possible things I can do for my kids (and well, anyone) is to pray.

In these past 6 months I have seen, heard, and dealt with many of what I was warned about in my education classes. From behavior problems, to more serious family issues, not much is a surprise anymore.

As I sat with my students in carline I watched my remaining children sit patiently (and playfully) as they anxiously waited for their carpool to retrieve them. As I studied them, I couldn't help but sift through my mental file of each of their homelives.

She always asks me to pray that her dad won't get drunk anymore.
His dad left last year.
His mom is doing all she can for full custody.
Her mom works two jobs just to get by.
On and on down the line, my heart broke a little more as I looked at their innocent faces.

Seven years old, and they've experienced more painful things than I ever had or would ever have to. Some not even knowing what that night might bring.

Since then (and possibly a little before) this verse has been playing on repeat in my head...

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

-James 5:16

 

I cannot control what goes on in the lives of my students once they open the doors of their homes. But I know who can.

So pray and have faith.
The rest is up to God.