I spent a better part of my work day at The Colonial Services Board with a crisis specialist, student and mother. The family is experiencing many domestic issues and there are so many dynamics, from the student being a biracial child adopted by a white family to the adopted father passing away late last year to the adopted mother now officially dating the man she was having an affair with before the husband's sudden death...Yes, I am telling the truth. I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.
The student came to school today devastated that all the material things in her room had been removed. The discovery came around midnight the night before when she was dropped off at home by a couple of minors who had taken her from school grounds after summer school. Her mom had no idea where she was or who she was with. And, this situation was on the lighter side compared to the weekend's events. The child felt Mom was wrong to take all of her things. The Mom was upset for the child's ungratefulness. Both were at fault for many, many things....It shouldn't be this way.
Now, I have finished reading a devotional for the day, and it brings me back to today's events. This devotional took time to highlight a family that lost their son at early age in his battle with a genetic disorder. The parents exemplified the powerful gift of loving and being thankful for what we are given. They knew the child wasn't going to live a full life, but they did not just give up, become bitter, or harp on the child's final day of life. Instead, they were joyful and celebrated the time with the son.
More often than not I am encountering those who really miss the "secrets" of life. They'd rather complain than find a solution. And, those who are given the solution continue with the moaning. While I find myself typically trying to keep upbeat, this week I came to a drained point where I had no more to give. One of the teachers in the building for the summer had come to my office first thing for some materials and documents. We talked and I got her the information and she left. She then came back a few minutes later and said, "I am sorry, but are you okay? You just don't seem to be your normal--upbeat--self." I made a face and then rambled out something that was not the truth to avoid giving up my frustration and forced a smile to keep her moving. I wanted so badly to be in my good mood, knowing the many blessings that are in my life; however, I just couldn't shake the mood.
In reading today's devotional, the guilt engulfs my spirit. Here I was today trying to speak a word to this student and mother about appreciating each other and avoiding unnecessary pain, yet in my heart I knew I had not been doing that.
Blessings come in many different forms. I know some would look at today's situation as a terrible one, but I needed God to reveal Himself through this family. This storm is temporary for this family. They will prevail and this child will be okay.
I will rest my head on the pillow tonight and be thankful for a long weekend because of a holiday, friends that stick close to me and are always there, my mom who wants to hear my voice daily, my brother whose doctor appointment today brought him some relief, my other brother who can be all the way on the other side of the world but still shielded and protected by the same God we're all serving, the phone conversation with a new friend that I pray will be around for a long time to come...
Despite imperfections, I am glad for second chances to prove appreciation and joy no matter the problem.
No comments:
Post a Comment