I Am Free

Here's a new venue to vent my thoughts and we'll see how it goes.

It takes me a while to wholly process information that enters my mind, so it usually surprises me the things that do affect me. It may seem like random comments made by others around me or thoughts that pop into my head and seemingly disappear. As the day progresses I realize that there are thoughts in my head that are still lingering.

I work in a K-8 Title 1 school. This means a great number of our students are underpriviledged. Some teachers were talking about working with at-risk students and the conditions that some of their students are in when they come in the morning. I found myself thinking why do these parents do this to their children -- sending them to school hungry, dirty, late, tired,... My thoughts wandered to thinking how these parents can choose to take better care of their children. Some parents use the excuse that they're single parents and can't do everything. My first reaction was, "That's no excuse!". During dinner this evening it hit me -- was that me or was it the Lord telling me something.

My biggest frustration this past year or so is not being able to serve as much as I'd like to because I'm a single mother trying to take care of a child with special requirements. Is that any excuse not to serve the Lord? Shouldn't I be more thankful for the graces and blessings I've received thus far? I've been dreaming of working with children through education. I have no teaching degree. Is that any excuse? I'm past my mid-30s. I need to be more practical now and think of my son's future. Is that any excuse?

"THAT'S NO EXCUSE!"

The Lord has been with me throughout this journey I call my life. It has been a comfortable and priviledged life. He has saved me from numerous mistakes I've made. He has comforted me through very tough times. He has surrounded me with supportive and loving family and friends. He has lent me two of his children that provide me with so much love and joy -- Vincent and Todd. He has led me towards a path that has shown me what I am passionate about and what I want to do for the rest of my life. He has touched my heart deeper than I've ever known through His word and His works that surround me.

The least I can do is serve Him through His children that are in need; serve my brothers and sisters. I have no excuse. He has shown me miracles through my everyday life. I have no excuse to say no. I am free to give Him my life, my energy, my talents, my prayers, my whole self. I have everything to give him and have no excuses anymore.