Working in education is difficult even when all is well with the world. BUT the last two years have been especially trying.
You know what I’m talking about:
- COVID-19 protocols
- Virtual learning
- Mask mandates
- Constant cleaning and sanitizing of EVERYTHING!
- Speech issues in young children who have grown up without the benefit of watching people’s mouths while speaking
And that’s just the day-to-day reality! What about the little ones who have other stresses in their young lives?
Things like:
— Chronic health conditions that require constant monitoring
— Extended family living in war zones
— Babies born addicted to drugs or alcohol have a myriad of health and behavioral issues
— Children who are stinky due to infrequent bathing, wearing the same clothes for a week, inattention to diaper changes or potty training
— Too many families living in a small space
— Homelessness
— Watching inappropriate TV shows, movies or videos OR playing adult video games
— A parent in jail
— Physical or emotional abuse
— The murder of a local 5-year-old
In looking back over the last couple of years, the following scriptures and plenty of prayer have helped me keep things in the proper perspective.
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6 NKJV
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 19:14 NKJV
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. – Ephesians 6:4 NKJV
It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. – Luke 17:2 NKJV
…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV
My Life in Our Father's World 
You highlighted many of the things I used to see in my classroom. I can only imagine adding all of those extra stressors from the last couple of years. It is indeed heartbreaking. I pray a lot for our teachers, school staff, and students in light of all that is being dealt with. Will definitely continue to do so. ❤
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Thank you! We need all the prayers we can get!
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When I worked in child care , I saw so many struggling families . It’s so hard. A lot of the teachers were struggling, too.
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That’s the truth!
Underpaid.
Overworked.
But love changing children’s lives!
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Thank you for ministering to the needs of these precious souls, our children. Your in my prayers!
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Thank you, I appreciate it!
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Of course!!!
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I’m glad God gave us scriptures to keep our minds and hearts as healthy as possible, so we can love others as He calls us to do no matter the situation. Thanks for all you do! I’m sure you are making a difference in those children’s lives as you navigate(d) the pandemic.
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Thank you Lynn
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Indeed, so many things are happening in this world. I was not aware that children were having speech problems due to the mask. Thanks for sharing.
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It is a huge issue 😕
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