I’d love to take a survey of people to see how happy they are in their jobs. It seems so many are not. I know I go back and forth arguing my position. Middle school is a different atmosphere than elementary in so many ways. It’s easy to see why it’s not most teacher’s top choice. I’m continually reminded of the rough patches BJ overcame at such an age. Yet, my school has teachers that I think are exceptionally caring and highly qualified. For the most part they love it there and are able to keep disappointing behaviors in perspective. I have the utmost respect for them. The need is great and somebody has to do it!

God has shown me again and again that “It’s not about me.” Hmmm… That’s the slogan on mine and BJ’s t-shirts from a mission trip in 2005. Appropriate. My happiness in my position/ career and circumstances in life is not to be the issue. Doing what God wants me to is.

Perspective. It’s seems I’m always thinking and talking about perspective. How you view things and people and our God makes all the difference.

Several stories come to mind that we have a different perspective on now and especially since we have lost a son. Abraham offering Isaac as a sacrifice. It seems such a ludicrous thing for God to ask from our earthly perspective. When BJ was 6 feet in the air on a motorcycle lift at the hospital, Brent kept thinking about Abraham and Isaac and that moment Abraham offered his son. When Brent shares our story, it is my favorite one and continues to move me. Isaac saw there was no lamb. What if Isaac, in unusual “teenage” wisdom, said “Dad, I know you’re scared, but I believe God is going to deliver me through this. But even if he doesn’t, that’s OK ‘cause I’ll be with Him.” (BJ’s words after the blood test revealed how seriously sick he was.)

How often do we pray to be delivered from our situation? When maybe that's not the right attitude. Do we trust God enough to give us strength in the difficulty? I feel ill-equipped to teach middle schoolers, but I'm on my knees every day asking God for help. He's getting me through each day in sometimes surprising ways. Thank you Father for holding my hand - I'm counting on that firm grip!

Mom

Around 6 p.m. last night, I heard from Brent. They arrived safely in Nuevo Laredo. Thank you for your prayers for them. We know it’s a long shot, but we’re praying he gets to see Sylvia – he told her story when we got back from spring break.