Because they're mine

The morning sun was just starting to illuminate the gray clouds on my quiet drive to school.

To the hum of my engine, I began to pray my usual morning prayers. But I was drained already, though it was hardly even 7:30. Several of my students had told me they might be moving, and the disciplinary issues in my classroom were getting a little tougher.

One of my most "unloveable" students told me there was a big possibility he could be moving. The night before I had mourned his walking out of my life, but today I pondered why I had had such an extreme reaction to his announcement. It's not like he's given me so many reasons to love him. He's a pure stinker.

Another student came to mind. As I was praying for her... I told God about how much I loved her. How much I love the "stinkers." I felt a quiet tug at my heart... why? 

Why do you love them?

I fumbled for words to explain the love and devotion I feel towards each of my students, especially the ones that don't give me reasons to love them. It felt horrible to realize that "Superteacher" as I try to be, there are some kids who are just unloveable.  But yet, I love them. Not because they're brilliant, not because they're kind. And certainly not because I'm Superteacher. But because they're mine.

Because they're mine. 

The words hung in the frozen air, and echoed back to me...
I knew there was a deeper lesson for me to learn. So I waited. I listened.

You are Mine.

There in that quiet, chilly morning I began to understand love in a different way. To understand the kind of love the Father has for me... not because of my brilliance, my own excellence, goodness, or anything else. But because I am His. 

Now I try to start every morning with a reflection on that moment. On what it means to be His. It has given me passion, purpose, and love so much more than I thought possible.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."

-Isaiah 43:1