December 2002
Throughout the month of December I’ve received several emails, which contain beautiful stories of the Christmas season. And each time I’ve read them, I’ve been reminded of a tough, yet tender-hearted, 10-year old boy…and I’d like to share something about him with you.
Before I was married I taught a combination 4th/ 5th grade class in the government school system. It was the 1991-1992 school year and my first year teaching in this particular school district. When the last day of school arrived before the Christmas break, I was shocked to see EVERY student walk to my desk with gifts for me – everything from the traditional teacher’s mug to Nordstrom gift certificates. Every student, that is, except for David (name changed). I wouldn’t have even noticed except for a sad look on his face, as he watched all of his classmates present me with their gifts.
In all of the hubbub, I don’t think anyone realized that David hadn’t dropped anything off at my desk. Not wishing to embarrass him and in an effort to relieve his sadness, I made it clear that I would still love them even if they had given me nothing, but a bright and wonderful smile. I glanced at David and saw a slightly perceptible change in his countenance.
The morning progressed as best it could as the children anticipated all the Christmas party goodies that would arrive with their moms that afternoon. Recess time came and the children were scrambling out the door. I noticed that David was still at his desk looking through his lunch bag for his snack and then a huge smile came across his face. He pulled something out of his bag and ran up to the front of the classroom, took my hand and placed a pear into my palm. He looked up at me with his precious brown eyes and said, “Merry Christmas, Miss Urban.” I tried to give it back to him, telling him I didn’t want him to be hungry. He responded by saying, “ This is all I have to give you.” With tears in my eyes, I said, “David, this is truly the best Christmas present anyone has ever given to me.” He hugged me and ran out of the door.
Needless to say, I don’t look at pears as just another piece of fruit.
For 10 years the children in that one particular class have been in my prayers. I remember them all by first and last names. David would have graduated high school in 1999. By the time he was 10 he’d seen more live bloodshed than I could ever imagine – and had the scars on his body to prove it. He’d come into my class mid-year from Oakland and had already been involved in some form with the gangs. He had been sent to live with his aunt and I pray by now that he has grown into a solid young man. The potential was there. I know…because I saw his heart one December morning in 1991.
As I glance at the large number of children playing behind the chain-link fence of the government elementary school down the street, I am often reminded of the true blessing we have in home schooling. I am so thankful that the Lord has called our family to this wonderfully blessed way of life.
Last Tuesday morning, Tiffani and I drove out to see my parents about 85 miles away. As I set up their new computer system, Tiffani read with Grandma and then gave us a “concert” on her great-grandmother’s organ. Later we drove to the Ontario Mills to do some speed shopping and get a little treat. As we walked from the parking lot into the mall, my mom put her arm around Tiffani and said, “I’m so glad you home school!” Tiffani giggled and said, “Me too!” What a picture!
Home schooling is so much more than “school at home”. For our family, it is living life as we should be, where Tiffani learns that people are more important than paper. Where we have a freedom to author our days and to go where the Lord leads. I pray as we enter 2003 that God willing, this freedom of worship and education that we enjoy now will continue. I humbly ask you to pray for the same.
Lovingly, Traci J
We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in You. ~Psalm 33:20-22