Approaching Valentine's Day...sometimes I despise the holiday system we wrap our lives around. We celebrate a seemingly "sweet" concept but so many folks dread the day of celebration. As I teach and involve my world with teenagers I see many of them filled with anger, resentment and hopelessness. Celebrating days like this don't hold "real" meaning; they seem to be about purchases for someone disguised as a true friend or dating partner. The relationship has a foundation of mistrust, control, artificial love~acting as the real deal. But these young people are scrambling, in search of LOVE.
Love. Sounds simple yet hidden from so many. We speak of love being Christ and what makes the world go round. We sing songs about it, run through fields of flowers in pursuit of it....yet we are living in this fast-paced world coming up short on Love. I see anger abiding, short fuses and lots of anger management contestants. As students in my classes talk, I listen. They describe the anger they feel toward selfish parents that can't seem to get along or fight all the time. They are angry at dads being drunk and needing their "care." They are working jobs where they are required to close, leaving no time for homework, rest, or adequate sleep. They are tired. Tired and angry. Now it's not all teenagers but many.
As I teach, I find the subject is irrelevant The classroom is the venue for safety and Love. A place where a voice can be heard, opinions wrestled through and Love triumphing. I find when that's accomplished, any subject can be taught. Any child can learn and progress made. Kinda makes me sad and happy wrapped into ONE emotion.
The idea that young lives are empty. That adults who should have been taking care of them, fail them daily. That life is unfair. Even though we say "winning isn't everything; it's how you play the game," at the end of the day, the score has a party for those with a higher number. How does Love prevail when hearts are so empty and lonely? I am convinced as Jesus says that He is Love. He is alive within us; therefore, we are the LIGHT to this dim world.
As I stand in hall duty, take roll, lead discussions, I have the power to share LOVE. I have the power to let my light shine so that all can see true Love. A love that draws the lonely to itself. A love that doesn't control and live for power. A love that listens. A love that's in the present...that never fails and offers restoration.
Be light and love...everyday, for it's the day which God has created.
