Today my heart breaks for the families in Connecticut who have lost so much. It is another reminder of our human depravity and our desperate need for Christ. My prayer would be that many would come to know Christ as their Savior and the hope and peace which only He can bring through this tragedy. In these dark times may He be glorified.
Though I do have hope in Christ my Savior, my heart still aches. When I first heard that 18 kindergartners lost their lives in such a horrific way, I couldn't help but think of the 27 little lives I interact with everyday. I actually have more students in my care, but my pre-kindergartners are so close in age. I must admit I feel angry to think of anyone harming children of this age. Harming children in any way is enough to make me angry, but this is so close to home.
Not only did these children loose their lives, but their teacher did as well. Yes, I do teach pre-kindergarten, but I am only there because of my mother. My mama is a kindergarten teachers, so to think of her being there breaks my heart even more. I have always had a love of children, and I have always wanted to spend my life working with them.
However, I must say it was the influence of my mother that led me to be a teacher. After going through college and now teaching in a classroom of my own, I believe this is exactly where the Lord wants me. My mama always included me in classroom preparation I remember helping her set up her room each year even when I was in elementary school. Many of her bulletin board objects were colored with my help, and I have done much prep work on craft projects. When I was praying about career choices, I wasn't convinced that I wanted to be a teacher. I was afraid I was doing it just because my mom was one and perhaps it was expected of me.
Now I would not have it any other way. My mom has always said she could not imagine being anything else besides a teacher, and I know just what she means. Now looking back I believe that her love and enthusiasm for the ministry God have her inspired me to take part. She was always encouraging and helpful to me in college, but always encourages my own work and ideas. She has also been a wonderful consultant in my new role as a pre-kindergarten teacher and second grade tutor. I greatly value her input and seek her advice daily.
The Bible tells us that all things work together for good. I know the Lord placed me in my family for many reasons, and I am so thankful to be blessed with my mother. She has been a great help to my journey of becoming a teacher and starting my own teaching ministry. Many others have been a huge blessing in this venture, but my mama has a special place in my heart.
In the days to come I will be keeping these families from Connecticut in prayer. I can't begin to imagine the pain they must feel right now. At the same time, I am going to be thanking the Lord for my own 4&5 year olds in my classroom and also for the best kindergarten teacher I have the honor to call Mom.
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