My heart is hurting for twenty kids, and their brothers/sisters/parents. When I received the e-mail that we had this many kids in our school that are currently homeless, it took my breath away. I sat there and bawled like a big baby, in front of my computer monitor. What really hit me was that three of those students are in ONE of my morning classes, another one of them is in one of my afternoon classes. A couple of them were in my classes last year. I knew about the two last year, but, had no clue about my current students. NO CLUE. These happen to be some of the sweetest kids I have this year, and some of my favorites. Yet, they never let on, never complained, never gave me one clue. Dear Lord, please forgive me for wallowing in my own sorrows and pity, for my petty problems. It COULD be worse. I've always said that, but, never really had it hit home like this. I have so much to be thankful for. I am truly blessed. My kids are blessed. They have no idea.

Today, one of my students asked if I wanted to read some of the poems she had written. Being an English teacher, and a fan of youthful creativity, I said, "Of course!" I read the first one, then, the second one. She was watching me intently, as I read. The second one made me sick at my stomach, scared, and very sad, all at the same time. As if God had sent her Himself, the counselor appeared at my door. I showed her the poem and called the student to the hall. The counselor took her to her office. This very young child, all of twelve years of age had written that she didn't want to live, was a "just a mistake", and all she wanted for Christmas was for someone to help her die. What could make a twelve year old feel that way? Dear Lord, in Heaven, please help this child and her family to get through the tough times they are going through right now.

Why do we always see our problems as so monumental, when there are people with much bigger problems, all around us, and most of the time, we don't even realize they are having challenges in their lives?!