you don't fit

​You don’t fit.  It’s hard to hear these words.  It’s hard to experience an environment where you do not fit.  Even the strongest and most independent have a desire to be accepted.  When you don’t fit it seems as though you are walking a lonesome path. 
 
You don’t fit.  I have heard these words myself.  “You don’t fit into our plan.”  Basically they are saying you don’t belong here.  I have experienced the words and an environment – you don’t fit.  It is so discouraging to hear and feel these words.  These experiences and words sometimes leave you feeling as though you are nothing, you are inconsequential, you are worthless…  You just don’t fit. 
 
You don’t fit.  When you are a child, one of the most difficult things to handle is the feeling that you just don’t fit.  Imagine feeling as though you are all alone with no one to support you, no one who really cares about you.  These children feel there is no one who really loves them or understands them.  They just want a friend or someone who can see their pain, someone who can help them feel special.  There are children with these feelings in our classroom.  Children who hear a voice – you don’t fit.
 
It is dangerous to leave children in a place of – you don’t fit.  As they reach adolescence they will take matters into their own hands.  They will find acceptance somewhere.  Do we really want them to find a sense of belonging with the “wrong” crowd, with a gang…?  We have to help our children find a sense of purpose in our world and give them a chance to fit in. 
 
In a faith based environment, our LORD provides a sense of family for those who just don’t fit.  He says:  “You are mine.”  “You are not alone.”  “I am with you always.”  No matter what you go through, no matter what you experience – I will be at your side.  Know that I love you.  I made you, and you are special.  When you are lost, I will search for you – I will leave the 99 to search for one - you. 
 
As teachers one of the hardest tasks before us is to understand those who just don’t fit.  Often they act out or they keep their pain and thoughts to themselves – they are silent.  Sometimes it is hard to find the “love” necessary to fight – you just don’t fit.  Sometimes love is not enough.  It takes wisdom, actions, and caring to fight this state of mind and these experiences. 
 
You just don’t fit.  I say to you as the Lord does – YOU MATTER.  Come into the light and see the love that awaits you.  You have a purpose.  Let us help you discover who you are as a child of God.    
 
BEcky