Any teacher will tell you that our students aren’t just “students,” they are our kids; a little family that God gives us to love for a year (sometimes more). And with love comes the privilege of walking with my kids in the good times, rejoicing in their triumphs, and cheering them on in their challenges. With this love comes walking in their struggles as well. Sometimes it’s providing the support they need and sometimes it’s crying right alongside them. Sometimes though it’s taking their struggles home. I don’t know if there are any teachers out there that truly leave their kids at school. We think about them. We pray for them. We want to wring their necks. We cry over them. Most of the time they have no idea. But this is what love looks like.
Allan is one that I have done all of the above with- I have rejoiced with him. I have wanted to shake him. I have prayed for him. I have cried for him. What a privilege it is to get to love him. And this kid loves people so well. When Shannon is gone, he jumps in to help with anything I need. And now to get to call him my brother in Christ, not just my student. Pray for Allan as he follows our Lord and Savior from now on.
And as we start back to school, pray for the teachers in your town as they love their little families this year; As they minister in their mission fields to the Allans in their classrooms.
Betty Deaver says
Thank you Kristi Hopkins for sending this letter to show your concern for the students! I do pray for you and will try to remember to do it more. Love, Betty