Making Sense of Senseless Things

As I reflect on the events of this past week, as many teachers have, I am reminded how important my job is to not only educate these students but to also protect them while they are in my care. It is sad that it takes something like a tragedy to put many things into perspective. I watch the news and see all those precious faces and ask the question like many others, Why? We may never have the answer to this, but I do know that there is evil in the world and we are not immune to it as much as we would like to be. God did not tell us if we believe in him that life would always be rosy and wonderful. It is comforting to know that we can rely on him to help us through situations such as this. I feel blessed to be in a school where we do pray every day. We can stop in the middle of class and pray for whatever we deem necessary. We are taking finals this week, many of my junior high students have never taken a final. You can imagine the nerves and anxiety going through the air! As you may already know, we stopped and prayed before we began the test. There is just something about praying to God that can ease a person's soul. I am thankful every day that I can spend time in pray with my class. 
I wish those who want to pray could participate in a prayer in public schools. We all know that on that horrific day last week at Sandy Hook Elementary school there were many people saying a prayer. I have never understood why we took prayer out. If you don't want to participate, then just don't. Out of respect for those who do, be still and stay quiet. It is a matter of respect for other people's beliefs, you don't have to agree, but you do need to show respect.
In light of the events this past week, I bet there will be more teachers, students, and parents, praying throughout the school day. I hope that all those affected by this tragedy know that people all over the country are praying for them daily, not that it will help ease their pain, but knowing others are praying on you behalf when sometimes you can't is a great comfort. 
Christmas is going to have a different feel this year. Let's all think more of others and less of ourselves. 
Merry Christmas