Today I had a meeting with a parent: a meeting I didn't want to have.  The child was in trouble...again and we needed to meet and discuss possible solutions to the problems, form a plan, etc. etc. etc.  This did not happen.  We had planned for the meeting to occur yesterday, but never got a hold of the parent.  I didn't want to have the meeting yesterday because I wasn't prepared and everything felt very rushed.  So, when the parent didn't show up, I was relieved.  Then she called at the end of the day and said she could come in today.  We set up the meeting, but then only the administrator and I knew about it, so we couldn't do everything we needed to do because not everyone was there who needed to be.

Again, let me just say, that while I was glad the meeting was today and not yesterday, I still did not want to have this meeting.  As I sat there and listened to the parent talk, I realized that her life is like so very many others that I hear about: TROUBLED.  This child's home life is not good and it's not the mother's fault, she really is trying.  She just doesn't know what to do.  I learned more about this child in a 15 minute conversation than in two years of working with the student.

This isn't the first conversation I've had like this.  In fact it is the third in about three weeks.  Three different families struggling to make it.  Three different sets of children with problems in school.  Why?  Not because the parents don't love them.  It's very obvious they do.  Not because they are not trying to make it work...trying to do what's best...they are.  It's simply because this world is a sinful place and we are a fallen human race.  My heart goes out to these children and their families.  My heart goes out to these parents.  I know that there are others like them...others with problems...others who struggle..and I wonder what I can do.  How can I make a difference?  How can I help to make this world a better place?  How can I shine the light of Christ into the lives of these students?  How can I show them that there is a different way to live...that life doesn't have to be bad?  How can I give them hope in the midst of the darkness?  I know that Christ is the answer.  I know that without Him, life is a dark and weary place.  I know that these children will grow up believing that what they see is how they have to live...and it simply isn't true. 

I cry out to the Father for wisdom.  I cry out for truth.  I cry out for love (some of these are very difficult to love).  I cry out for hope...and peace...and joy.  Lord, I ask that Your light would shine through me.  I ask that I would be a light in the darkness.  I ask that I would be a source of hope for these children.  Continue to grow in me love for each of them.  Continue to grow in me a willingness and desire to help and teach them.  Continue to grow in me a sensitivity for them.  Give me your heart for each of them and grant me the ability to deal with, help, and befriend them with Your love.  In Jesus name, Amen.