It's Worth It

Today was the sixth full day of school.  And, it was the sixth day of meltdowns and attempts at escape--and not just by the teachers!
In all seriousness, we have about a half dozen students who would bolt from the building if it weren't for the staff (usually the principal) holding the doors shut.  We have about a dozen or so students with autism (or similar disorder on the autism spectrum).  I worked today with a student who can't write the alphabet (first grader), let alone the 30 key words we learned last year.  We have students who kick, bite, scratch, hit, cuss, threaten, and push.  One child will routinely state that s/he wants to kill him/herself.  Our paraprofessionals work in the hallways, the cafeteria serves as the gym, library, and auditorium.  The social worker shares a closet with the computer server and the library computer.  The music teacher has a desk in the hallway.  The special education teacher is in the old teacher's lounge, and the speech pathologist, occupational and physical therapists share a VERY small "room".  Budgets, staff, field trips have been cut.  Our buildings are old, much too small, and (in the case of two of the district buildings) prone to flooding. 
Why do we keep coming back day after day, year after year?  Why do we place ourselves in 95 degree buildings in August?  Why do we continue to seek out best practices and behavior modification techniques?  Why do we listen to parents swear up and down that "'Johnny' isn't like this at home..."?  Why do many of us shed gallons of tears for ten months out of the year?  Why do we wear calluses on our knees from hours of prayer?
The answer to this question is actually quite simple:  The kids deserve it.  These children may only feel loved the seven hours a day they are at school.  If I can show Christ's love to just one student, all the other is worh it.  If I can put a smile on just one face, it's worth it.  If I can show just one boy or girl that they matter, it's worth it. 

Father, thank You for the opportunity to be the light to this generation.  Forgive me for being selfish enough to think I deserve a "better" job.  Help me to show these kids that You love them.  Protect them, Lord.