Blessed is She

Matthew 5: 1-10 (NIV)
1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


Fridays are usually very joyfilled for teachers. Usually lighter material for me, kids are pretty well behaved, and infact today I had a quiz, so it was quiter and easier than normal. Today was a good day, a refreshing day, a peaceful day. Except for one part.
We had a meeting with a parent today. I have had this parent now three times (well, three of her kids in a row). The first year was rough. Last year was alright. This year, I didn't know what to expect. We had a discussion earlier in the year about her son's struggles. You see, her son has extremely poor reading and comprehension abilities, because of poor choices that his birth mother made. This mother, was a foster mom. A foster mom of nine actually. All kids with varied needs. Some with high abilities, some with poor abilities, some who just need a safer and more stable environment.
In this meeting, we discussed the best possible options for her son. He was struggling, and she feared that he was not learning anything. She was also worried that frustration and bad behavior would come due to his growing struggles. She did not attack us, she wanted our input on how he was doing. Throughout the meeting I focused on her as she interated with my peers in the meeting. Several times she was near tears. She was so focused on how to help this child, doing whatever she could to teach, to ensure success. Her emotion nearly brought me to tears a few times.
Nothing truly came out of the meeting, except for a new understanding and some learning on my part. I have a greater respect for this woman. The time and effort she has devoted to her kids is nothing short of amazing. The conflicts we had in previous years were not out of anger at the teachers, but a drive to help her kids be as successful in our classes as they could be. She wants the best for her kiddos.
I wish all parents had that drive. Its something my parents had too, and I am forever grateful for it. I cannot think but how lucky those nine children are to have an advocate like she has.
She may not know it, but she models a biblical parenthood. An unconditional love that crosses all gaps.
I hope I remember her actions and the actions of my parents when I am with my future children, or my nieces or nephews, or even when I am at school.
Do I model biblical values? Do you? We should.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.