Dear ….
Over the last several weeks, we’ve been doing advent readings every night at dinner. These readings have been preparing our hearts for Christmas in a significant way as we talk together about things like what it means that God came down to rescue us in the form of a baby. We’ve been talking about the choice to love and what it means to sacrifice.
Christmas gives an opportunity to talk more about sacrifice as we give and receive gifts. But, nothing could better demonstrate sacrifice to them than the stories of the teachers who gave their lives Friday to protect the children in their care. We spent some time talking with them about what happened and how sad it is that we live in a broken world but that there is hope even in that brokenness–we’ve been reading about that hope every night.
We do all we can to protect our children. As parents, we worry and fret and often try to micromanage and keep things as much under our control as possible! But, as you know full well, we can’t always be with them, guarding them at every step. What a blessing to know that when we drop them off every morning at 8:20 and drive away from that school, they are in the hands of people like those teachers in Connecticut who would sacrifice to protect them at great cost as well. And, we can rest knowing that they are ours only for time and really belong to the God who made them, the only one is always with them at every step.
Thank you for your service and commitment to my child and to the children who have filled your classroom over the years. On behalf of every parent whose child you have sacrificed for on a daily basis and would sacrifice for if needed, thank you.
Genuinely,
Kelly
As a teacher I appreciate your letter. As a mother I had trouble dropping Caroline off today at her school. I know her teachers love her and she is safe on regular day but I worry about the evil that is in our society. I also know that evil can be found in and out of our schools. I still believe that our world has more good than bad. I am sure your letter was appreciated.
It’s refreshing to here others hold their children loosely, knowing they are safest in the hands of Him who made them.
Melissa
http://www.thecorkums.com
This is beautiful. I too, have a new appreciation for my kids teachers. I have always prayed for them, but now I find myself praying for them in a whole new way. Thanks you for your inspirational words :)
As a teacher and now school administrator, Friday’s events made it so so clear how much we really have no control over–no matter how many plans we have in place. Teachers love what they do and we count it an honor that you entrust our kids to us everyday!