The Importance of Investing Belief in Another.

It's been busy coming back to school this week.
As a welcome, we had tons of work shoved in our faces... only 4 weeks of school left they say. Guess they're milking it as much as they can.

I'm glad to be back though.
My little third graders have really wiggled their way into my heart.
I was honestly happy to see them again on Monday.
And they were obviously happy to see me too - it was evident by their good behaviour over the last two days.

It's amazing how much a person's life can change when belief is invested by another.

From the first day of school, I looked at each child and loved them.
I saw the potential they have, and I saw the yearning to be loved.
Over the last few months, I have seen many of these little monkeys change!
The ones who I invested the most obvious belief in have made the most change.
And now I am shifting my gaze to "target" some others in the class who seem to have been overlooked... but I have noticed their need to be noticed just the same.


A few weeks ago, the little urchins suggested a class goal.
If they all scored A's and did not have any more late work, we would all go for a Bowling Party. Yeah, they love to bowl... I'm worse than they are, so I can't claim the same.

But anyway... I am SO proud of them!
Many times, I see their seemingly little efforts to please me and others people, and I am almost shocked at how proud I am of them. These children who are other peoples' sons and daughters....
I used to wonder if I would be patient enough to teach children.
But now I realize... it's not just a matter of being patient.
It's about seeing them and loving them.
Looking at them and having compassion for them.

I now know why Jesus said to be like a child.
For there is much to be loved in children.
Even the "naughtiest" ones.