I voiced the words
that she could not, saying to the paraprofessional that was helping her, “Her
teacher is not here, and she does not know me.” The woman’s eyebrows raised, and
she said to the girl, “You are sad because your teacher is not here.” The girl
stopped pointing at me, found the “Sad” icon, and was able to move on.
Later, as we sat
together and watched a video book presentation, the girl reached her hand over
to mine and held it softly. I put mine on top of hers, and together we
watched in silence. There was no need for words to express the poignant
feelings shared. I could tell. She trusted me!
I had prayed that
morning that my first day on the job substitute teaching would be a successful
one, that I would feel God’s love for the students, and that I could share his
love with them. It had happened in a way I never thought possible.
At the end of the
class period, the girl gave me a hug, and we walked hand in hand to the door.
Still, no words were spoken, but I knew that I was in the right place at the
right time. My purpose had been fulfilled in that small moment.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells
us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
This was my theme song when I left the mental health unit years ago. Now, it
has become my lifeline.
When I decided to
leave my employment as an office manager, I felt that God was directing me to
go and serve his children as a substitute teacher in the public school system.
At first, I was frightened. So many things had happened in my past that had
taken me from that realm of the world.
Now, here I am, stepping back into it, having the very experiences that called me in that direction in the first place. Surely, a way will be provided, and I can go forward with faith, trusting that all will be well!
