Core Scripture: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

Message: There are times I come here to share advice; however, there are times I write to seek it.  Today, I humbly come to you all to seek wisdom.  And to share a bit of what has been happening in my classroom.

I have always been a teacher that feels the weight of my students.  When they hurt, I hurt.  When they cheer, I cheer.  I am one who feels empathy.  It is how God created me, and I know it is for His good, but what happens when you feel too much?  What if you are just spread a bit thin?

Their stories have been coming out one by one.  A girl whose parents can’t even sit in the same room now that the divorce is final.  A boy who lost a parent and sibling in a house fire.  A girl who lost all trust in her dad and can’t stand seeing him.  Kids who have loved ones incarcerated.  Kids who have lost family to cancer and suicide.  It is sadly difficult to keep the stories straight.

As I learn their stories, I try to teach them coping skills.  They just don’t know how to navigate life.  Now that they see I have opened my heart to them, they are beginning to flock to me.  So much that I am having to turn kids down.  I just can’t help them all, and that saddens me.

One girl was struggling with friend relationships.  She was gone for a few days in a row, and I worried that it was to avoid her problems at school.  So, I invited her and a few trusted friends to have lunch with me.  We worked through the problems, but as others found out I was doing this, suddenly ALL the kids wanted to have lunch with Mr. Daniels. 

Another kid has been appearing before school and after school.  Sometimes even between classes.  At first it was sweet.  But it has become excessive now.  A bit too much.  As I counsel her and hear more of her story, her weight becomes my weight.  I silently cringe, feeling her pain.  It hurts. 

Others have come forward quietly in journals with their own issues.  It is wonderful that they feel comfortable sharing their hearts with me.  But as I weep with those who weep, I long for more moments of celebration.  I long to rejoice. 

You know, there was a scene in The Chosen when the disciples were engaged in a dispute.  Tempers flared.  Fingers were pointed.  Suddenly all eyes fell upon a weary, depleted Jesus who tenderly limped back to his tent.  He was spent after healing the needy all day. 

One thing I do know, and it reassures me … Jesus gets me. 

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”  All I can do is empty my heart to the Lord and seek His wisdom on what to do.  Then in Romans 8:26 Paul says, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

In the meantime, I would gladly heed any advice from teachers who have experienced this.    

Challenge: Have you ever been there before?  How would you handle this situation if you were me?  Reply to this blog or send me a more private email to theteachersdevotional@gmail.com.  I would love to hear your advice!   

Prayer points: Lift up the following areas to the Lord …

• Praise God for the moments He gives us to help our students.
• Pray for wisdom on how to effectively reach our students without feeling overwhelmed.
• Pray that God would open your eyes to where He needs you most.  

Just for fun: This Bob Ross teacher meme is one of my favorites. 

Prayer: Father, give me wisdom on how to reach my needy students.  Help me share their burdens in a productive way.  Amen.