The Difference

One hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was,

the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...

But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.

Children...oh, how I love them!

I have so many opportunities to work with so many different kids.

First of all, there is my bus route.

And then, there is the 5th-6th grade girl's Sunday School (which

I truly enjoy being a part of)

And lastly, the ones I am with the most..the kiddies at my work...

The ornery,

dramatic,

personable,

and the lovable stinkers.

I work with these kids day in, and day out; 40 hours a week. Sometimes I admit, I feel stressed, annoyed, and at my wit's end. They won't listen, I am raising my voice way too much, I have overused the "be by myself" chair, and I just want to throw in the towel. But then I remember...I was a child once too...and I pretty stubborn one, I have been told! ;)

However, I was raised by godly parents and attended the same Baptist church since I was a newborn in the nursery. I had the privilege to attend a Christian Academy, High school, and College. I was not dropped off at a day care to be raised by someone else. I was disciplined and nurtured by parents who spent the much needed time with me.

Recently alot has been going on in a little child's life at my day care. Stuff that a 3 year old should not have to witness, nor be subject to; something he will remember for years to come. My heart aches for him and his siblings; I found myself thinking...

Why isn't that me?

What is so different about me?

Why did God spare me and see fit to put me in a Christian home?

That could have been me, if it weren't for the Lord's mercy...

I want so badly to take all the hurt out of that little boy.

Instead I put my focus into giving him more love, increasing my prayers, and not letting my patience run thin. After all, I am different, because of Christ; and, I hope someday when he is older and understands he remembers...the teacher who was different.