Thursday, November 11, 2010

Ambassador of kindness

Have you ever woken up on Tuesday morning and felt like it should be Friday?  Well, it's been of those weeks for me.   Not because my students were extra crazy, or because teachers seemed to have a lot of feedback for me.  No, no, it has been one of "those" weeks because it's conference week.   My heart broke this week because in the process of meeting many of my students parents, I encountered raw vulnerability from the shame that comes from living in poverty and stress which is connected to the awareness that you don't have the time or resources to take care of your special needs child.  I was positive, I was supportive and I tired really hard not to cry, but I'm exhausted.    

Here's the reality: I love having a job that requires a lot of interpersonal skills, wisdom and unsolicited kindness. I am a teacher by title but an ambassador of kindness by deed.  A huge portion of my job is allowing both students and staff to walk through my door carrying whatever emotional junk was handed to them, and choosing to receive them and display kindness to them. 

I may be drained and I've definitely eaten a few too many Peppermint Oreos, but I serve a God who is an Overcomer and when I have no tangible hope left, that is what I cling to.    

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