Heart Breaking

OK, I've shared with you before how much I love teaching my kindergarten/first grade class at church each week. My class is precious. And the Lord is fulfilling the love I have for teaching through this opportunity. So, I have the best of both worlds. I can stay at home with my babies, and still teach and make a difference.

For the past month now, I have been struggling to bring my class along. We just haven't been progressing in our scripture/memory work, and I couldn't figure out why. So, last week, I decided to implement a reward system, using stickers, balloons, and small toys, like the ones you'd stuff in party favor bags. I brought in my prize box tonight and a chart. I explained to my class that they have a chance to get a prize from the prize box each week if they bring their Bibles, their workbooks, wear their vests, and know their memory work.

I was suddenly slammed with the realization of why we haven't been progressing. Six children in my class tonight told me they don't own a Bible, nor does anyone in their household. SIX! I was shocked! and heartbroken. This is just something I have taken for granted. Part of that is from growing up in the Bible belt. Faith is a part of the culture. It's a way of life down there. I promise you, even the non-church going folks have a granny who owns a Bible. Maybe that's a large presumption for this day and age, but, I truly never considered this to be a possibility. I thought I was merely re-iterating and re-affirming in their little minds what they were already learning and getting at home.

Needless to say, each of the children will have a Bible of their own by the next time we meet. This just makes me realize how lucky I was growing up. Thank you Lord for parents who raised me in the church, gave me a Bible, read it with me and taught me about you. I mean no family is perfect, but I am so lucky -so lucky. Lord, help me in all that I do with them. Help me to love them and show them who you are.
~Blessings my friends!