Heartbroken Again

There are days that my job breaks my heart. Today is one of those days. A very special student of mine moved away today. At this very moment she and her family are driving across the country to a new job and a new life.

I knew in my heart when I entered the education field some eight years ago, that I would be working with poor children. This is my passion, probably because I grew up poor. We always had enough to eat, a home, and clothes on our back; but not a lot more than that. I remember one really hard time when my mother was unable to work for about a year because of complications from a broken ankle and Dad couldn't work because he had emphysema. Tough times. But not nearly as hard as some of the things my students have to endure. Some of my students face homelessness, living in foster homes, hunger, learning disabilities, and yes; relocation is a by-product of being economically disadvantaged.

My little friend's family, though, is very fortunate; her daddy has landed a good job-and for that I am so grateful. And I've certainly seen more tragic things than the relocation of a family. It's just that I'll really miss this precious child. She has a gentleness and kindness about her that is so uncommon. I wish you could see her pretty face; how it lights up when she is praised or learns a new skill.  She's been really stoic about the move; but today was tough. She didn't cry; but when she handed me her spelling test;  she'd drawn a picture of herself on it; with tears falling from her eyes. My eyes welled up with tears too, when I saw it, but I held it together for her sake.

It seems that lately there's been a lot of bad press about my profession. Some say we're not doing a good job. Others think we earn too much money. I can only speak for my situation. My wages are more that 50% less than what I was earning in the business sector. Financially, it makes no sense for me to do what I do. But I do it because I love children. I love to see that special glint in their eyes when they've just caught on to what I'm teaching them. I love their enthusiasm; their innocence and their inquisitiveness. And I want to make a difference in their lives. I work hard at it, but it isn't always easy. My heart gets broken alot. But it's worth it...they're worth it.

So, goodbye, my gentle little friend. God bless you and keep you safe in the palm of His hand, and once again, I'll trust in Him to bind up my broken heart as He has promised me in his Word.

Luke 4:18  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted...