My Job

Most of you don't really know what I do during the day so I thought I would take my lunch break today to talk about my job. It actually is one of the coolest assignments the Lord as ever given me. I know I am still called to ministry but I am thankful for what the Lord has given me as my time and season is being prepared for full time ministry in the church.

I am a Drop Out Prevention Specialist at a local high school. At times I am a counselor, a private eye, a listener, a nagger, but most importantly a carer (is that a word?!). I track students attendance through the data system at the school. As I see that students are missing a lot a pull them out of class and talk to them about why they haven't been there. My main concern is to make sure everything is alright because a lot of time the students are missing because there is something going on at home. Just in the last week I have had the excuses of a teen being kicked out of her house and not having a ride to school, she was at her last string of hope of how to solve the problem. I talk to the students about their needs and encourage them to be in school. I form a relationship of accountability and they know I will continue to check on them. I call home and talk to the parents when I am unsure of they students excuses and I even have to go out to the houses of students to track them down. Sometimes a person with my job is looked at negatively but I do my best to make it out of pure concern and love. I do not have the authority to discipline them regardless so there is no reason to be mean, rude, insincere or lack sympathy toward them.

Sometimes I do have to tell the students to just suck it up and come to school. Senoritis truly gets the best of them sometimes haha, but who can blame them right?! We have all been there, they just need a little reminder that the end is not that far away and it is important to finish strong.

My goal everyday is to allow the holy spirit to lead me. These students come from an area that have a lot of generational curses. Most of their parents never went to college and a lot of their parents never finished high school. But luckily I know that this does not have to determine their outcome. I pray for them as the day goes on and I ask for direction from the Lord on the students that I know need a little extra time. You wouldn't believe the difference caring makes in the lives of these teens. It seems so simple but it is so powerful.

A few weeks ago I had a student that I met with and before he walked out of my office he said...it is really nice to know someone cares if I am here or not and walked out. That's only a small taste of the heart wrenching comments I get from these teenagers.

I love them so much and I am so blessed to be working with them everyday. It isn't always easy and can sometimes seem repetitive but to know it is making a difference keeps me going. And to know that as I am led by the holy spirit it is not me but the love of God that is touching them and changing their lives. Even if his name isn't spoken it doesn't mean he isn't present.

I love you all! Have a wonderful Tuesday! Let the Lord speak to you through your job today. There is purpose in every second, don't waste the opportunities before you. I say this not only as a reminder to you but especially for myself!

Rejoice Always :)

Kira