A seed of hope

Lord, thank you for reminding me why You have led me here.

If I ever feel tired doing what You have given me, read this.

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While stifling a complaint of receiving another relief job again, the heartwarming cheers of your name melted your poker face as you entered the class. Ah, your first batch of ex-students. How could you ever forget them? The struggles and frustrations you had with 2- transformed into yet another learning experience. The joy of teaching 2- was refreshed as you see those familiar faces.

Besides all the cheers, the sight of a boy who used to shy away from leadership roles being the class monitor, reminded you how you have a part in that. You encouraged him to take on the role of a group leader despite his oppositions due to the lack of confidence. How he shined and blossomed as a group leader, with tons of encouragement and affirmation from the teachers then.

Your heart leaped with joy when you saw him with a monitor batch on his uniform a year later. Today, you saw him assuming his duties with confidence, as he worked with his partner to help his teachers. It was beyond his accademic abilities you saw. You saw a character to be moulded.

The other event which affirmed you that this is where God wants you to be was an encounter with one of the naughtiest boy in 2- then. Nothing much has changed. Perhaps, he is bolder than he was as he attempted to lie to you. Despite multiple reminders, he refused to complete his work. Resisting the urge to bark at him in front of his peers, you got him out to have a chat.

Your idea of a quick-fix chat was torn as this dear child does not know what is the problem. You explained what you went through as a student, and empathised his need to have fun all the time. After all, you are a fun lover yourself. That explains all the games you have played with your students. He realised that his problem is being too playful.

You told him that there is nothing wrong with being fun-loving. You affirmed his character - one who's bubbly and alive! He just needs to do the right thing at the right time.

You'll never believe this, but your dear naughty boy actually teared when you said all of that.

Remember why God put you here. You have the ability to reach out to children. Despite the terrible teaching session that morning, God foresaw that and planted a seed of hope in your heart.

Never forget this, alright? :)