"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then
peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits,
impartial and sincere." (James 3:17 ESV)
Back in my teaching days, there was a Grade 5
student who was disliked by all of the teachers. His teacher didn't want
him in her classroom, and he sensed this. He refused to listened to his
teacher, and he wasn't always polite.
I never had this child in my class, but when I
saw him on the play ground or at lunch, I was always polite to him and I
tried to show him that I liked him. Meanwhile, I was praying for him.
The problem student was eventually sent to
another school that specialized in problem students. This school had
very strict discipline, and the teachers in his new school wouldn't put
up with his nonsense.
Two years went by before the student was
transferred back to my school. One day, at the end of the day, he came
into my classroom. As my students had already left for the day, he began
to share his experiences at the other school. I realized then that he
was really there because he wanted someone to talk to.
He came to my classroom often after that. He
seemed comfortable sharing his problems and his victories, and I began
to notice positive changes in his behaviour. What this "problem" student
really needed was someone who liked him and who was willing to listen to
him. In the end, I realized this kid wasn't tough at all.
The student then went on to high school.
Nonetheless, he came to my classroom every week or so, and sometimes
more. Whenever he had a problem, we would talk it over. He often
mentioned my cross, telling me how much he liked it. Over time I saw him
change into a real gentleman who wanted to do his best.
When we work with students, we can either help
them or frustrate and discourage them. There are so many people in need.
They will be in ever walk of our lives. How will we treat them? If we
don't know what to do, we can always ask our Heavenly Father. He will
ALWAYS help us. When God is there, there is ALWAYS hope, even for
troubled kids.
Didn't Jesus tell us: "‘Let the little
children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God
belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive
the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took
the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them."
(Luke 18:16 NIV)
Our God cares. He is still in the miracle
business, and changing lives is not a hard thing for Him. There is
ALWAYS Hope!