That is how my day started yesterday. I was in the principals office as soon as I set my bags down! One of my lovely students (girl) decided to get into a cat fight. It turned out to be pretty gruesome as far as fights go. It started with an exchange of inappropriate words, moved on to chest bumping (how odd) and then came the pushing. After they started pushing then hands started flying. The girl I work with ended up being very scratched up. She had claw marks all over her chest, neck, face and some on her arms. The other girl ended up with a bloody nose and some scratching on her chest and neck. They were both a hot mess. Due to my students other issues she probably will not be returning to my program...although she hated me anyways so I guess its just as well. I feel really bad for her shes had a rough life and I truly felt that I could not make any connection with her and she wouldn't allow me to help her in any way.
Fighting is unfortunately a very common occurrence where I work. One day after one of the school dances took place we had 13 fights at school (none of which were my kids thankfully). There are at least one to two fights a day sometimes upwards to ten. I've seen cat fights, racial fights, fights over boys, fights over girls, bullying fights, instigated fights, fights over drama, fights over your momma, fights between relatives, fights over anything and everything. It is so sad to me that teenagers these days cannot solve an argument or disagreement without throwing punches. They do not sit down and talk things out they just resort to physical violence. It makes me wonder how they are going to cope in the real world? Are they going to fight someone every time something doesn't go their way? Or will they eventually learn that fighting doesn't solve anything.
I am so thankful to my parents for teaching my an attitude of meekness and benevolence. I don't ever remember my mom and dad telling me if someone tries to fight you, you need to fight back. Yes I understand that self defense is something you should have, but most of these fights start verbally first and then escalate upwards so there is plenty of time to get out or cut the fight off before it actually happens.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48
God does not teach us to fight! He teaches the exact opposite of fighting. He teaches love unconditionally...Love those that hurt us. Love those that despise us. Love those that irritate us. Love those that make us angry. Love. Love. Love. It is not about fighting because what is fighting really? According to Wikipedia fighting is "purposeful violent conflict intended to establish dominance over the opposition." And is that how we really want to be perceived? I as a Christian want to show love in any way I can, to anyone that will accept it!!! So that is my goal this week and hopefully for the rest of my life, to love others as God shows his love to me!
Well on the rest of this "snow" day (we didn't get any snow just ice, which is already gone! We now just have rain and fog) I will be cuddled up reading a good book, finishing paperwork, possibly sanding my new/used table top (craigslist find for $20), doing laundry, making blueberry scones or muffins, napping with Fonzie, and attending Bible study tonight!
Wow, don't know how you do it! Hope today's better than yesterday!
ReplyDeleteHow was Bible study? I decided at the last minute that I wasn't going, due to a headache I'd had all day and couldn't seem to kick. I really didn't want to miss out but, I didn't want to be nauseous with a throbbing head either.