One of the absolute greatest pleasures of working with students is watching them encounter the love of God. Students have a way of seeing God through a lens that we often can’t see. They experience God with an innocence and freedom which isn’t restricted with over-thinking and analyzing. For the past few months I have been talking and counseling a 7th grade student through some serious issues. This student had been battling some dark times but a few months ago this student began to follow Jesus and the love of God began to overwhelm them. During the dark time this student wrote a story about a girl named Elizabeth. I encouraged her to re-write the story now that they had found and experienced the love of God. Below is the new story. I believe it is a profound description of the love of God and wanted to share because of the way it impacted me. I have full permission from this student to share as long as they stay annonymous.
Elizabeth searched, and finally found, for she was not looking hard enough. She found a friend that even when she was lost and alone, walked with her in her terror. The thoughts of sleep were stopped by one man who loved her even when all she could do was hate everything she saw. She looks back and while a icy tear rolls down she is reminded of the freezing cold nights when tears froze on her face and she felt alone. She realizes someone was there holding her even when she cried. Even when she screamed and felt like the silence still would scream louder, he was listening to every cry and scream, and He was closest then. She now knows if she goes to battle, she’s not alone. For she has Him on her side, and who can lose with the creator of the enemies. She looks back and sees all her friends leaving her but one. One stays with her through it all. That one knows her fears, weaknesses, flaws, past, and yet still loves her. He loves her through it all, and thats what makes the fight worth it. For the cold night she once knew has gone. The icy snow has melted, and flowers have bloomed. For a new season has started. And he has lead her through it all, walking with her every step of the way. And she knows He will be there forever.
Elizabeth made new.