A week like this one when i'm reminded why I love urban ministry. It might sound strange saying "why I love..." as I tell you that this week has been absolutely terrible. Our school goes through phases, one phase being when just about everyone is being polite (or at least their version of polite) and getting their work done on time, so on and so on. Well its in the middle of that phase where I begin to get nervous because I know what the other phase looks like. This week we entered into the phase, the phase of blatant disrespect, dishonesty, and self sabotage. Each phase has new students being the main contributors while others you can just automatically expect to be a part of it.
Today I've feel sick to my stomach because of the amount of disrespect that has been happening this week. Disrespect to me, other teachers, other students, the building, school property, my own property.. basically you name it and its being disrespected. There has been sexual harassment, lying, and stealing. It has brought me to tears of anger, but its in that moment that God spoke to me and said... "LOVE these kids the way that I love them!" Wow, talk about a slap in the face. I am beyond frustrated and am counting down the hours till the weekend, but tomorrow I will go into school with love in my heart for my students. I truly do love my students the way a parent loves their child. I want them to be successful and learn how to live a life of love. They will learn that by watching my actions, words, and overall attitude toward them.
So, its been a hellish week but through the pain, tears and anger God has revealed himself to me. It is weeks like this that I remember why I have responded to the call to urban ministry. Weeks like this don't scare me, I don't go running away scared, it only better equips me and trains me for years and years of ministry ahead of me. I know that God holds each of these teens in His hands, and I trust HIM with their lives. I can't chose their life path for them, but I can help steer them in the right direction.
Today I've feel sick to my stomach because of the amount of disrespect that has been happening this week. Disrespect to me, other teachers, other students, the building, school property, my own property.. basically you name it and its being disrespected. There has been sexual harassment, lying, and stealing. It has brought me to tears of anger, but its in that moment that God spoke to me and said... "LOVE these kids the way that I love them!" Wow, talk about a slap in the face. I am beyond frustrated and am counting down the hours till the weekend, but tomorrow I will go into school with love in my heart for my students. I truly do love my students the way a parent loves their child. I want them to be successful and learn how to live a life of love. They will learn that by watching my actions, words, and overall attitude toward them.
So, its been a hellish week but through the pain, tears and anger God has revealed himself to me. It is weeks like this that I remember why I have responded to the call to urban ministry. Weeks like this don't scare me, I don't go running away scared, it only better equips me and trains me for years and years of ministry ahead of me. I know that God holds each of these teens in His hands, and I trust HIM with their lives. I can't chose their life path for them, but I can help steer them in the right direction.
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