My heart is breaking

No pic today. Not many words. My heart is breaking. A beautiful young lady that I had the privilege of teaching for 2 years has taken her life.  Not only was she physically beautiful, but she had an inner beauty as well.  She was also a very talented artist. And, now she is gone.  I found out less than an hour ago and my mind is still trying to grasp the truth. The reality.  I was her reading teacher. I listened to her artistic plans and hung the art work that she created for me. I smiled at her jokes and looked forward to listening to her takes on books that we were reading in class. But, not once did I realize that she was hurting inside. Not once did I suspect that she would take her life. She was mature. She "had her act together". I knew she would go places and do great things. Sure, she was frustrated with the childish antics of other middle schoolers. But, no, not once did I suspect.

Take time to listen, really listen. Take time to see. I know it is easy to get caught up in administrative expectations, especially for higher test scores. It is easy to drown in the fast pace of keeping up with all the demands. But, there isn't anything worth more than a life. Nothing in this world is more precious than the life of a child. Nothing.

Please pray for her friends and family.  Pray for all the others that are lost and trying to find their way.