Pep-talk to Myself

How do discuss something like the events of the last few days?? Bombings in Boston...this is the same yet different than what happened in Newtown. Acts of terror. Different "stages." My kids still talked about it. How do you discuss it with 3-4 graders when they bring it up??

PRAY

That's what I told them. For each person involved. The families affected by the terrible events. The first responders. The runners who will be scared to run again. That hearts wouldn't turn away from God, but toward Him. He who binds up the brokenhearted. As each tragedy unfolds and man's sinful nature is revealed, I can't help but be reminded of the millions killed each year by legal means. I am not down-playing the events of the last few days, but how are they different?? I am again reminded to pray.

Not just for America, but the world as a whole. We hear of "wars and rumors of war...earthquakes in diverse places..." It makes me wonder how long until Christ returns?? Today? A month? 20 years? Sometimes life can get discouraging...when it seems that nothing is going right. When the kids don't get along. When your math class is dealing with imaginary numbers. When whatever you face seems to be too much. DON'T LOOSE HOPE!!! As my mom likes to say, "This, too, shall pass." Whether the situation is resolved, or (best-case scenario) Jesus returns, it'll all be ok. It's been on my mind lately, and the events in Boston made it come together, so to speak.

Hopefully that encourages you a little bit. It's the only thing that comforts me.

That, and the fact that I have only 2 weeks left of math class!!!! Another thing that helps me through is my job. Although it is hard at times and tough when 3 digit multiplication isn't going so well. A child's perspective is what I love most. They were pretty sure I hadn't been in first or second grade before!! As I was explaining about going to a tea party at the last auction (like 15 years ago) when I was in first or second grade, one boy exclaimed, "YOU WERE IN THAT GRADE BEFORE?!?!?"  (Way to make me feel old!) Moments like that are what makes it fun!! 

We got the results from achievement testing back and it was fun and encouraging to see that our school as whole tested higher than average on a national scale!! This encouraged me a bit to see I must be doing something a little bit right. :) Not alone, for sure!! God is good!! And He will see me through the last several weeks when all the kids want to do is be DONE and play outside.....
As the year winds down, I marvel at God's plan and how He knew just what He was doing when he placed me here. I have to remind myself of that when the days aren't so great or things happen across the world that make it seem He has turned away. His plan is perfect and He knows when *the day* when we shall see His face. Until then, I encourage us to "occupy 'till He comes."

The things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.Even so come, Lord Jesus.