In the past week I have had 7 students burst into hysterical tears. Having an overly-emotional teacher must have rubbed off on them :)
Claude is one of my students that the Lord has given me a special heart for. Claude is very active, extremely social, and always pushing the limits. I always have loved the troublemakers!
Today Claude cried so hard he threw up. He was crying because he was jealous that I was giving a compliment to another student. After talking with Claude he explained that he does not like when I compliment or encourage other students because it makes him think he is not good enough. In his head when I say Sally is a great friend it translates into him being a horrible friend.
After all the tears were wiped away, hugs were given, and I assured him of my love I couldnt help but think of the deeper issues going on in Claude's heart. Ultimately Claude desires to be loved. He wants to be valued. He longs to matter.
What a picture of my own life. I am constantly looking for love and value in the wrong places. I am looking for other people or things to find my identity. I want to matter to others no matter what the cost.
My prayer is that as the Lord teaches me to find my value in Christ alone my students would learn it as well.
Daily God is using my students to show me areas of sin and brokenness in my own life. I am so thankful and blessed by each one of my 2nd graders.
