Another Day, Another...

So... Today wasn't such a bad day.  I woke up, got a good walk in before work, went to the library during my lunch break, bought a book from their 50-cent rack, and then got punched in the chin by one of my students thirty minutes before the end of my shift at work...

I've been working childcare for six years now - 2 years in daycare/tutoring centers, 4 years in public schools, and back into the daycare summer-camp setting for a little extra income until School starts back in August.  Never, in all that time, have I witnessed an elementary-aged student who was so defiant as to strike a teacher.  Never, until today...

I've been so floored by this event that, although I deflected 99% of the blow when I caught the child's arm, I don't think my jaw will ever feel the same.  I'll forever remember it as the warning of the hatred humans are capable of, and the grace with which we must treat each other.  I am utterly thankful that God has given me such a wonderful family to come home to after such a stressful afternoon.  In this light, I think that the following prayer is appropriate for closure:

Thank You for the world so sweet;

Thank You for the food we eat;

Thank You for the birds that sing;

Thank You, God, for everything.

Amen.