Opus 2013-125: On the Street: Fire in the Belly

As I vented my frustration with parents and the educational system I asked my friendly philanthropist, “Why do I keep pushing if the parents don’t care?”  He answered, “Because you still have the fire in your belly.”

I guess so.  How long can I keep it burning?

What was I yelling about?  I was relating to him my frustration.  We have a form called a Daily Progress Report.  Students carry it to class and the teacher marks if they were on time, brought their supplies, completed their classwork, did their homework, and how was their behavior.  Each teacher signs it and has a place to write comments.  One side is in English and the other in Spanish.  It is supposed to be taken home, signed by the parent, brought back the next day, checked by the counselors and if it is signed a new one presented to the student.  It can be an effective tool to monitor student progress.

But no one cares.

I sit in meetings with the parents and students.  Tears are being shed.  The students promise to do better.  The parents present a face of concern.  We have a moment of victory. 

The next day I ask for the Progress Report.  “I don’t have one.”  This goes on and on.  I have one class in which seven students are supposed to bring me this form.  I ask them every day.  On a good day I will see one.  And no one seems to care but me.

The counselors don’t check the forms.  They leave piles of them out on the counter.  The parents don’t seem to care.  Nothing happens. 

I find myself asking, “Why should I care if the parents don’t?” 

I guess it is that fire in the belly.  For me it comes back to my sense of duty generated by my walk with God.  He revives me daily and keeps the fire going.  I guarantee it is nothing but an ember when I head home each day but after a time of prayer and worship in the morning the belly is glowing.

But with David in Psalms I ask, “How long, O Lord?”

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