A Sinking Feeling.

There was a first for me today.  The first time my heart actually sunk in utter despair over my students.  Followed by a real longing to see salvation realized amongst these misfits that I have often described as unlovable.

Perhaps misfits is a strong word.  Yet I do not exaggerate when I say that I'm facing war in the classroom each time I step foot.  I'm not talking the Michelle Pfeiffer of Dangerous Minds kind.  I'm talking about the war over these precious souls.  They are drug addicts, manic depressives, nicotine high lovers, outcasts, and rebels without a cause.

I've agonized over them and worried.  I've lost my patience.  I've scratched my head in disbelief.  Out of all the population of students that I've taught, this by far has been the most difficult.

Yet Jesus loves them.  Thus I must love them, too.

[Hard as it may be, I love because He first loved me.]