Reason #17 why I love my job…

I got to witness the sweetest expression of Christian love this morning.

A girl in my Macro class has been struggling. Today I gave them classwork to prepare them for Monday’s exam. I bounced around from group to group answering questions and helping students.

As I looked around between questions, I noticed a girl who sits way back in the far corner. She’s been in my office for help before. She sat there alone. Not working. Not knowing how to ask for help.

I walked back to check on her and help her out. She could barely get out that she just didn’t get it and didn’t even know what to ask, because she doesn’t know what she doesn’t know. I know the frustration. I asked her “and you don’t know anyone in here, do you?” She didn’t. Tears began to well up and roll down her cheek.

I started walking her through some of the problems. As class drew to a close, I invited her to my office for more help.

Back in my office, I listened to her share about the pressure she feels, working two jobs, struggling through classes, missing her aunt, who is terminal with cancer, and hasn’t seen in months, and can’t afford to go visit in Mexico, issues with her own health, having no one to talk to, no friends at school. What heavy burdens for a young woman. I cried with her, prayed over her, hugged her, and then helped her with the material. I encouraged her to make a phone call…

Back in class, as we packed up, a girl in the row ahead turned around, and handed her a slip of paper. It was her phone number. She encouraged her and told her that she had survived micro last semester…how it was so hard it made her want to cry at times…how she knew her struggle. She invited her to join her study group with other classmates.

What sweet compassion.

She gave her something I could never give…an invitation to be included with her peers…from her peer. This student saw a need, and responded with such tender, pure, Christ-like love. What good eyes…

I love my job…