I heard this saying on the radio today, that you don't get a second chance to relive this exact day. Of course we get second chances the next day, but to think that we need to do our very best right when God gives us a test is a good reminder. Today I approached a student in the hallway that was wearing an inappropriate shirt, and he was very defiant and disrespectful. I think that often, even though I don't agree with the whole victim excuse, when people act out, there may be some underlying, hidden reasons for their behavior. I could have recognized that someone who would wear such a degrading shirt maybe doesn't have a close relationship with their parents or with God or they wouldn't choose to wear it, and I could've started my conversation with him by telling him my name, asking his, complimenting him on something, stating something that I think we have in common...He was very hostile with me, and instead of escalating the situation, I just emailed the administrators and had them deal with it, but I hope that God puts him in my path again and that I can try to transform his attitude by lending him a little time, my ear, my hopes for him. We got out of school early today because of all the snow. Chloe and TJ are making their Valentine cards for all 41 students at their school. Mara asked if we could bring Grandma Mike a bottle of Diet pop after her nap. I love it that she thought of that on her own. It was Mara last night that was handing everyone a musical instrument to play and bringing people food. She was a great little hostess. Today we gave Patricia and Tutu a ride home, and we saw Patricia's 3rd grade sister, Rosetta, and her friend, Dio, walking in the blizzard because they missed the bus. I was so glad that God led me on the streets he did so that we found them and were able to drive them home. Patricia told me that she had a brother and sister get kidnapped and/or killed before she was born in Barumbi/Barundi (?) Uganda. So sad to think about all the sex trafficking and violence that goes on around the world. I wish that more Americans saw the horrible things that so many people have to face and realized that something needs to be done, and that their minor problems are so insignificant. Last week Patricia told me that her mom often decides to move very suddenly and doesn't know why. I would like to meet her family and hear more about their life and let them know that I am their friend. I pray for the young man in the hall, Curtiss Carson, for Patricia and Tutugirl's families, for John's trip home tomorrow night, for a safe trip to Des Moines to see Trevor Hall, that people take time to show their love to many people and don't get caught up in the materialistic commercialism of the holiday. Today a teacher was gossiping about students in the office, and I pray that she realizes that this is not professional, that I have the strength to say that I don't appreciate it, and for the young men that she was speaking so badly of. I pray that there are enough volunteers for the carnival on Friday, that John continues having good business despite the poor economy, and that we continue being able to give through Compassion International and other services that seem to find us. I pray that I remember that we only have one Feb 8th, 2010 and that I patiently remind my children and students of this and that we all live each moment with utmost integrity and principle.
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