Let's Cry

Crying can be a pretty terrible thing.

Yesterday was a half day because the school opened up for Parent / Teacher Conferences after noon. I didn't have that many conferences scheduled, so I planned to relax a bit, work in a conference or two, and then go home. I wasn't really sure what to expect, or how long any of the conferences would take. One of the conferences lasted quite a bit longer than estimated.

And I'm really thankful for that.

The student's mother and I had been in communication for a few days prior because her son has improved phenomenally in his English skills and we believe he may be ready to move up to the next level of the ELL program. Naturally, this was bound to be an encouraging meeting, but I didn't realize how much so.

We discussed his academic ability, what responsibilities would be expected of him when he moves up, how the level of homework would change. We talked about his commitment to learning, if he would be disappointed if class turned out to be harder than expected. Business as usual.

Then, we started talking about her son's refueled interest in Scripture and God. She shared about his melancholy and disinterest when he went to a different school for the past three years - not only in relation to spirituality, but in relation to academics as well. He had been told that he was lazy and incapable of learning (this kid is anything but that!!) and his friends were unhealthy to say the least. She smiled and said how happy she was.

And she started to cry.

Crying can be a pretty terrible thing . . . but it can also be something else: it can be God cleansing the fear for a child from a mother's heart.

It's a humbling experience and beautiful blessing to be a part of this school; our Father is changing lives here for the kingdom. Amen.