Middle School :(

P1 started middle school this year. He cries more than my 4 year old these days.

"I'm horrible. I keep goofing up. I'm stupid. I can't do this. I hate the bus. I'm no good."

Today's trigger ... he was 40 minutes late getting home, and I was concerned (okay, near frantic). He walked in the door about a minute before I was going to start driving the streets looking for him. When he saw my worry, he fell apart. He thought he told me that he was staying after for Recycle Club. Maybe he did. Among all the details of my day, he could have said it and I missed it.

So, what's going on? Is it low blood sugar? Is it the extra long day? Is it the bus? Is it hormones? Is it the extra pressure of GT classes? Is it ... WHAT? What is it? And how can I fix it?

Please. I'm struggling with this. It hurts so much to see him down. I want him to see how great he is. I want him to remember that he is a child of God. A precious treasure. An insanely smart kid, with great gifts and talents. And I don't know how to convince him of his worth, his value, his ability to excel in his schooling.

And I'm praying. Probably more than I have since he was born. Praying that God's truths will pour into his mind and heart. Praying that the demons that whisper this doubt and self-loathing in his ear are bound and gagged in the power of Jesus' name. Praying that I have wisdom and strength and patience and courage to help him through this time.

I just want him to know he is enough and God is enough for him.